Alzheimer's Disease News and Updates 2016: Ongoing Study Links Car Exhausts, Air Pollution to Brain Disorder
Recent study shows magnitite particles found in air pollution and car exhausts are seen in human brains
For years, scientists and researchers have been looking for ways to understand the cause of Alzheimer's disease. A recent study shows that an amount of toxic found in car exhausts are evident in human brains.
Brain tissue samples were taken from 37 people for the research. The study saw evidences linking metal particles as a key factor how a person acquires Alzheimer's disease. The study also poses the possibility that prolonged exposure to air pollution may increase the risk. However, the study needs more exploration to prove the connection.
According to Professor Barbara Maher of the Lancaster University, this study is a step towards new examinations linking brain diseases in environmental factors.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Barbara also added that because of this new finding, they can go on with their research for as long as they could. This is due to the fact that humans are often exposed to these toxics and that evidences of metal particles are so prolific in human brains.
Global Health Crisis
This is not the first time that air pollution is linked to diseases. Previous studies show that air pollution has killed more people than HIV/AIDS or Malaria. Researchers who did this study used a comprehensive computer model that monitors the global atmosphere to see the influence of air pollution on different outdoor sources such as fossil fuel power stations, road traffic and factories. A significant case study published by the journal "PLOS One" was done in the world's most populous country - China. The findings pointed out that air pollution is the main source why China accounts 4,000 deaths a day.
According to the same study, smoke and pollutants coming from diesel generators and smoky fuels cause one third of China's 1.4 million annual deaths and half of India's 645,000 annual deaths.
Meanwhile, air hazards coming from coal-burning power stations cause one third of United States' 55,000 annual deaths.
Even sand particles in dry regions pose health dangers to people, causing 92 percent of annual deaths in Egypt and 81 percent in Iran.
Alzheimer's Society Agrees
The recent study linking air pollutants as a main factor of Alzheimer's disease is backed up by the Alzheimer's Society. According to Doctor Clare Walton, the society's research communications manager, the magnetite particles found in brains offer convincing evidences of its hazards. However, Walton adds that the research completion may take longer as it also needs to look into specific effects of toxic particles in our brains and the reasons why it leads to brain diseases such as the Alzheimer's. She also suggests exercising, avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet as ways to avoid the chances of acquiring the disease.
