Is Pollution Making Us Forgetful? The Environmental Link to Alzheimer’s: What Doctor Suggests

The conversation around Alzheimer’s disease has always been majorly focused on genetics, aging and other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. However, scientists are turning their attention toward an unexpected factor, pollution in recent years. There are environmental toxins everywhere, whether it is the air we breathe or the water we drink, which affect our brain health and possibly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a condition where brain cells are slowly damaged, leads to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in thinking in people. The exact causes are however, complex, but it has been proven that pollution may play a role in speeding up brain aging.

How Pollution Affects the Brain?

According to Dr Mithilesh Kumar, Consultant- Neurology at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, “Air pollution is caused by various factors like fine vehicle smoke particles, industrial emissions and construction dust. These contain pollutants such as PM 2.5 and nitrogen oxides that not only travel deep into the lungs but also reach the brain through the bloodstream. Once inside the brain, they may cause inflammation, stress to brain cells and harm the protective barrier of the brain. All of these are connected to the symptoms seen in people suffering from Alzheimer’s.”

Moreover, heavy metals like lead and mercury are often found in contaminated water or industrial waste, which harms brain functioning. A PubMed Central study shows long-term exposure to such toxins can cause poor memory, reduced learning abilities and a higher risk of dementia. 

Also Read: Delhi NCR Enters GRAP-1 as AQI Turns Poor Before Diwali: Can Wearable Air Purifiers Protect You? Expert Tips to Stay Safe

How Can It Be Prevented? 

While we cannot fully eliminate pollution from our environment, here are some cautious steps suggested by Dr Kumar that can be taken to protect the health of our brain:

• Reduce exposure at home: Use indoor air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation, which is necessary to keep the air clean. Make sure to consume clean and filtered water for a healthy mind and body. 
• Protect yourself outdoors: Wear masks whenever you go outside the house, especially in highly polluted areas, to avoid harmful dust particles from entering your body. Also, avoid heavy traffic zones whenever possible.
• Adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle: Exercise more and eat antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. Also engage in memory-boosting activities like reading, puzzle solving or learning new skills as per your liking.
• Regular health check-ups: “People living in high-polluted areas or who have a family history of Alzheimer’s should go for early screening and memory assessments regularly. If diagnosed, take proper medications along with a healthy lifestyle,” suggests Dr Kumar.
• Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking: A study published in Science Direct shows, tobacco smoke adds to indoor air pollution and leads to cognitive risk.

Also Read: The Overlooked Side Of Mental Health Among Seniors With Dementia And Alzheimer’s

What Are The Treatment Options Available for Alzheimer's? 

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, a combination of medical and supportive therapies can help slow progression and improve quality of life. 
“Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment option where electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions to control abnormal activity, which helps in improving memory and cognitive function in select patients. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) also plays an important role as it helps patients develop coping mechanisms and improves psychological well-being, enhancing overall quality of life,” shares Dr Kumar.

Final Word

Forgetfulness is often taken as a natural part of aging, but it could be an early sign of how the world around us is silently affecting our minds. While science continues to discover the contribution of pollution to mental decline, it is necessary to take care of the world to preserve our brains because the choices we make today will determine whether future generations inherit not only a healthier environment but also healthier minds.