Light Pollution a New Alzheimer’s Risk Factor

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Outdoor light at night could be a significant risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from Rush.

Outdoor light at night could be a significant risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from Rush.

While light pollution is associated with increased risk of some disorders and diseases, this is the first time it had been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was conducted at Rush University System for Health and published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

“Our research shows that there is an association in the U.S. between Alzheimer’s disease prevalence and exposure to light at night, particularly in those under the age of 65,” said lead investigator, Robin Voigt-Zuwala, PhD, an associate professor at Rush. “Nightly light pollution — a modifiable environmental factor — may influence risk for Alzheimer’s.”

Read more at Rush University Medical Center