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Air pollution causes brain aging
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
The higher the level of air pollution in cities, the faster the aging process of the brain occurs, and by the age of fifty it looks older than its physiological age, in particular, by three years, say scientists from the University of Southern California.
Experts say that living in polluted areas can lead to a decrease in mental abilities, especially people over 50 years old are at risk. Experts are sounding the alarm, as the environmental situation is only getting worse every year and is negatively affecting people's health, causing irreversible harm.
Previous studies have confirmed the link between air pollution and respiratory problems, as well as increased risks associated with heart disease.
The study involved 15,000 elderly people. The researchers from the American National Institute on Aging who conducted the research found that fine air particles are a serious environmental risk factor that affects thinking and cognitive activity – they penetrate the small airways and alveoli and can cause irreversible harm.
"With their immune system weakened, older adults are particularly vulnerable to exposure to unhealthy air," said Jennifer Ailshire, a co-author of the study. "Air pollution has been linked to increased respiratory disease and heart disease, and the findings suggest that fine particulate matter may also have negative effects on brain health and function."
The main sources of pollution are industrial enterprises, cars and gas boilers. Scientists say that even such factors as heredity, smoking, nationality, the presence of lung or heart diseases are not so dangerous.
People living in areas with relatively clean air will be able to maintain brain health and overall health much longer than those living in megacities.
Experts say the study provides evidence that air pollution has a longer-term effect on humans than previously thought.
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