Air pollution is linked to developing dementia

Air pollution may be linked with an increased risk of developing dementia, research suggests.

A London-based study, published in journal BMJ Open, found an association between the neurodegenerative condition and exposure to nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles known as PM2.5.

Alzheimer’s Research UK described it is a “growing area of research”, but said the results should be treated with caution.

The researchers focused on 131,000 patients aged between 50 and 79 in 2004.

Between 2005 and 2013, a total of 2,181 patients (1.7 per cent) were diagnosed with dementia, 39 per cent of whom had Alzheimer’s disease. These diagnoses were found to be linked to ambient levels of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, based on estimates taken near the homes of patients.