Although living in a city may have its benefits, one must also be aware of the health risks involved.
A new study suggests that middle-aged and older adults who live in towns and cities reportedly suffer from aging of the brain and increased risk of dementia and strokes because of air pollution.
Elissa Wilker, the study’s lead author and an instructor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, found that dirty city air can cause the equivalent of a full year’s worth of aging inside the brain, according to NBC News.
“It [the study] suggests that subtle but potentially harmful effects are going on: The effect on the brain of being one year older is similar to the effect of pollution,” explained Wilker.
The recent findings were derived from a study of more than 900 adults aged 60 and older, according to the U.K. publication The Telegraph. After analysis of the MRI scans done between 1995 and 2005, it was found that those living near major roads suffered cerebral shrinkage, which increases dementia risk.
“They also had a 46 percent higher risk of silent strokes,” stated Professor of Neurology Dr. Sudha Seshadri at Boston University School of Medicine.
“This is concerning since we know that silent strokes increase the risk of overt strokes and of developing dementia, walking problems and depression.”
There are small solutions to living in the city and preventing the negative effects of air pollution.
Researchers reportedly found last year that commuters could cut their air pollution intake in half by using side streets in major cities than the main roads. Those who walk around the city can also make adjustments to their route in order to help their health, according to Dr. Rossa Brugha, a pollution researcher at Queen Mary, University of London.
It’s not clear as to exactly how pollution is harming the brain.
“That’s the million dollar question,” stated Wilker.
“We think when you breathe those particles in they can cause inflammation.”
