Air pollution refers to the contamination of indoor or outdoor air by chemical, physical, or biological substances that alter the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Pollutants of particular concern to health include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
World Health Organization Air pollution (who.int)
This illustrative image was created with the support of DALL·E 2025.
Why is air pollution a risk factor for dementia?
| Background: | People exposed to higher levels of air pollution have a higher risk of developing dementia. |
| Mechanisms: | The exact reasons why air pollution leads to an increased risk of dementia have not yet been fully researched. |
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
What can I do?
Outdoor air pollution sources are beyond the control of the individual. A reduction therefore requires measures from political decision-makers in areas such as energy, transport, waste management, urban planning, and agriculture.
- However, there are also some things you can do yourself to reduce your burden:
- Try to reduce car trips. Use public transport, a bicycle, or walk.
- Avoid heavily trafficked roads, especially on foot or by bicycle.
- Ensure good indoor ventilation, especially when cooking or heating with wood or gas.
- Spend as little time outdoors as possible on days with high air pollution.
- Reliable and up-to-date Air Quality Information find in the free and ad-free Android and iPhone app „Air Quality“ of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide
2.) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228
3.) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
4.) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/for-researchers/report-on-link-between-air-pollution-and-dementia
5.) https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/daten/luft/luftdaten/jahresbilanzen/eJxrWpScv9ByUWXqEiMDI2MAMPgFvA==
