Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may harm the brain health of older adults in England, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may harm the brain health of older adults in England, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
The research, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to lower scores in key cognitive abilities, particularly language skills.
NO₂ mainly enters the atmosphere through fuel combustion, originating from emissions of vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses, as well as power plants and off-road machinery. PM2.5 pollution in outdoor air often originates from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood, and consists of tiny particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
The researchers analysed data from 1,127 adults aged 65 and over who took part in the ELSA Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol (ELSA-HCAP) in 2018.
Read more at University College London
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