A new study has found that prolonged exposure to air pollution may negatively affect the human brain, particularly memory-related functions. Researchers reported that people who were exposed to higher levels of fine airborne pollutants over many years performed worse on cognitive tests than those living in cleaner environments.
The research, conducted by UC Davis Health and healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente, examined the impact of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter in the air. According to the findings, individuals who experienced higher levels of pollution for nearly two decades scored significantly lower on memory assessments.
Participants were asked questions designed to measure their ability to recall facts, words, and general knowledge. The results showed that people exposed to greater levels of air pollution had weaker performance compared with those who lived in areas with relatively cleaner air.
Impact on memory and brain health
Researchers said the observed decline in cognitive performance was comparable to approximately 10 years of natural aging. The study found that air pollution particularly affected semantic memory, the type of memory responsible for storing facts, meanings, concepts, and vocabulary used in everyday life.
Semantic memory plays a critical role in effective communication, understanding information, and carrying out daily activities. A decline in this function can make it more difficult for individuals to process and recall information over time.
Sources of pollution highlighted
The study noted that major contributors to air pollution include wildfire smoke, fossil fuel-powered power plants, energy-intensive artificial intelligence data centers, and fuel-inefficient vehicles.
Senior author Katherine Conlon, an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at UC Davis, said the findings suggest that air pollution should be viewed not only as a threat to respiratory and cardiovascular health but also as a significant concern for long-term brain health.
The researchers said the findings add to growing evidence linking environmental pollution with cognitive decline and highlight the importance of reducing exposure to harmful airborne particles.
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