Research and analysis

Air pollution: cognitive decline and dementia

A report by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP).

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 25 July 2022

Documents

Air pollution: cognitive decline and dementia

PDF, 3.84 MB, 291 pages

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Details

COMEAP reviewed nearly 70 studies in human populations (epidemiological studies) which looked at possible links between air pollution and a decline in mental ability and dementia in older people. They also considered studies which investigated how air pollution might affect the brain.

From this review, it can be concluded that it is likely that air pollution does contribute to these effects. The most likely way this occurs is through effects on the circulation. It is known that air pollutants, particularly small particles, can affect the heart and blood vessels, including to the brain.

COMEAP has not made recommendations on how to estimate the effects of air pollution on dementia. They think that more research will be needed before this can be done with confidence.

Recommendations have been made for further research which COMEAP believes would help develop the evidence on this important topic.

Published 25 July 2022