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Air pollution leads to aging of the brain
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
The higher the level of air pollution in cities, the faster the aging process of the brain, and by the age of fifty, he looks older than his physiological age, in particular, for three years, say scientists from the University of Southern California.
Experts say that living in contaminated areas can lead to a decrease in mental abilities, especially in people at risk of being over 50 years old. Experts sound alarm because every year the ecological situation only worsens and adversely affects the health of people, causing irreversible harm.
Previous studies have confirmed the connection of polluted air and respiratory system problems, as well as increased risks associated with heart disease.
15 thousand elderly people took part in research of scientists. Employees from the American National Institute on Aging, who conducted the research, found that a serious environmental risk factor affecting thinking and cognitive activity is the fine particles of air - they penetrate the small airways and the alveoli, and can cause irreversible damage.
"Because of the reduction in the body's defenses, older people are becoming a particularly vulnerable category exposed to unhealthy air," Jennifer Ailshire, co-author of the study. Air pollution is associated with an increase in respiratory diseases and cardiovascular insufficiency, and the data obtained indicate a negative effect of fine particles of air and on the health and functioning of the brain. "
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 pulmonary or cardiac diseases are not so terrible.
People living in areas with relatively clean air will be able to maintain brain health and overall health for much longer than those who live in megacities.
Experts say that this study is proof that the effect of air on a person has a longer-term effect than is believed.
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