Studies add to evidence of air pollution increasing dementia risk 

ByJDCteam

Air pollution has again been linked to the risk of developing dementia by two studies published in the journals The Lancet Planetary Health and The Lancet Healthy Longevity. 

In the study led by the University of Cambridge and published by The Lancet Planetary Health, a link between three common types of air pollutants and a higher risk of developing dementia was shown. Read the study here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00118-4/fulltext 

In the study led by King’s College London and published by The Lancet Healthy Longevity, it was found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution in midlife performed poorly on memory and thinking tests as they aged. Read the study here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(25)00043-1/fulltext 

Dr Isolde Radford, Senior Policy Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says: 

“Air pollution is one of the major modifiable risk factors for dementia – but it’s not something individuals can solve alone. That’s where government leadership is vital. While the 10-year health plan acknowledges the health harms of air pollution, far more needs to be done to tackle this invisible threat.” 

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