Dementia and general cognitive impairment

Dementia and air pollution are two problems that are becoming increasingly serious globally. At the same time, more and more studies are showing that there is a link between exposure to particulate matter and an increased risk of cognitive decline, neurodevelopmental damage and dementia.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which in turn can cause damage to the brain’s blood vessels. The brain itself can also be damaged directly by the particles. Studies confirm that exposure to particulate matter pollution causes harmful changes in brain health and function.

Particulate matter pollution is similar to lead pollution or some carcinogenic substances: There is no evidence for a safe limit, no matter how low it is.

This is also confirmed by a large European study. Summary of the study

Under the leadership of Gerard Hoek from Utrecht University, an international team has conducted the most comprehensive long-term study on this topic to date.

The study shows that even supposedly reasonably clean air can damage the cardiovascular system and lungs and lead to early death.

This means that even if the values are below the EU, WHO or US limits, they are harmful to health. Study

In Switzerland, the limit value is currently twice as high as recommended by the WHO. The following data shows that even the limit value set by Switzerland is exceeded by at least double or more in most places. Air pollution in cities: Switzerland and worldwide

Other studies also confirm the link between cognitive decline and PM2.5 (particulate matter pollution)

Researchers in Sweden have shown that people who live in an environment where particulate matter pollution from wood burning is increased by only 1µm have a 55% higher risk of developing dementia than people who do not live in an area with air polluted with particulate matter from wood burning. 

People who have a wood-burning stove in their home and live in an area where it is common to heat with wood (district heating systems, pellets, wood chips, fireplaces, Swedish stoves…) were 74% more likely to develop dementia during the course of the study. 

Another study, for example, found that older women who live in places where particulate matter pollution exceeds EPA standards have an 81% higher risk of cognitive decline in general and a 92% higher risk of developing dementia. Study

Diagnosis of dementia in adults

Episodic memory is one of the most important criteria for diagnosing cognitive impairment and dementia in adults. It is thought to be one of the earliest signs of dementia when it is impaired.

It has been found that episodic memory is the most affected by exposure to particulate matter.