Long-term particulate matter 2.5 exposure and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
1Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, No. 348 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050051, China; Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Changan District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China.
Public Health
|October 6, 2022
Summary
Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. This review underscores the need for air pollution mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests air pollution may impact cognitive health.
- Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a major component of air pollution with known respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
- The specific association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and dementia risk requires comprehensive analysis.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
- Searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for cohort studies (1900-2022).
- Included studies on adults aged ≥40 years with long-term PM2.5 exposure and dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), or vascular dementia (VaD). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) using a random effects model.
Key Points:
- Analyzed 20 articles, with 18 on dementia, 13 on AD, and eight on VaD.
- Pooled HRs indicated increased risk: dementia (1.40), AD (1.47), and VaD (2.00) per 10.0 μg/m³ PM2.5 increase.
- Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to ensure result stability and explore heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of dementia, including AD and VaD.
- Findings emphasize the detrimental impact of PM2.5 on cognitive health.
- Highlights the critical need for further research and effective air pollution control strategies.
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