Air pollution linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk in 28 million older Americans
A national cohort study of nearly 28 million older Americans found long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with increased Alzheimer’s risk. The analysis indicates the link arises largely from pollution's direct effects on the brain rather than via comorbidities, using Medicare data and published in PLOS Medicine.
Why it mattersFindings in 28 million Medicare beneficiaries linking fine particle air pollution to Alzheimer's should shape urban exposure regulations.