Proximity to Traffic May Elevate Dementia Risk and Alter Brain Structure

by François Dupont
4 comments
Traffic-related dementia risk

Recent research emphasizes the link between living near major roadways and a heightened risk of dementia, largely due to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could be effective in lowering dementia risk related to traffic exposure.

The study, conducted in China and the UK, found a connection between living near major roads, increased dementia rates, and changes in brain structure, predominantly due to air pollution caused by traffic.

Published in Health Data Science, a Science Partner Journal, this research offers new insights into the health impacts of traffic-related pollution on dementia, a concern that is gaining global attention.

Fanfan Zheng, the study’s lead author and professor at the School of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, stated, “Previous studies have indicated potential neurological risks from living near major roads. Our study explores this relationship further, focusing on how traffic pollution contributes to dementia risk.”

Overview of Study Methodology and Results

The study’s robust methodology involved analyzing data from 460,901 individuals over an average of 12.8 years. Dementia cases were identified from the UK Biobank, providing a more accurate dataset compared to self-reported diagnoses. The study also differentiated between types of dementia for a more in-depth analysis.

Brain MRI scans from the UK Biobank study were used, revealing early-stage Alzheimer’s-related brain structure changes. The research accounted for genetic risk factors and other major contributors to dementia.

Traffic Pollution’s Influence on Dementia Risk

Wuxiang Xie, associate professor at Peking University Clinical Research Institute, Peking University First Hospital, noted, “Our results consistently show that living near busy traffic increases dementia risk, with traffic-related air pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, playing a major role. Reducing air pollution might therefore help in reducing traffic-related dementia risk.”

Contrary to prior studies, this research found no link between long-term traffic noise and dementia.

Additionally, the study showed that living near traffic consistently correlated with smaller brain structures related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Chenglong Li, the study’s first author, suggested, “Future research should validate whether reducing traffic-related pollution impacts dementia biomarkers and incidence. Our ultimate objective is to prevent numerous dementia cases in their pre-symptomatic stage by reducing exposure to heavy traffic and related pollutants.”

Citation: “Relationships of Residential Distance to Major Traffic Roads with Dementia Incidence and Brain Structure Measures: Mediation Role of Air Pollution” by Chenglong Li et al., 16 October 2023, Health Data Science.
DOI: 10.34133/hds.0091

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traffic-related dementia risk

Does living near major roadways increase dementia risk?

Yes, living near major roadways has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. This is primarily due to exposure to traffic-related air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5.

What are the main findings of the study on traffic and dementia risk?

The study found that proximity to major roadways correlates with higher rates of dementia and changes in brain structure. These changes are largely attributed to air pollution caused by traffic.

How did the study measure the impact of traffic on dementia?

The study analyzed data from 460,901 individuals over 12.8 years, using dementia cases sourced from the UK Biobank. It also included brain MRI scans to observe changes related to Alzheimer’s disease.

What pollutants are mainly responsible for increased dementia risk near traffic?

Nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, two common traffic-related air pollutants, are mainly responsible for the increased dementia risk associated with living close to heavy traffic.

Can reducing air pollution lower the risk of dementia related to traffic exposure?

Yes, mitigating air pollution could be a viable strategy to reduce the dementia risk associated with exposure to traffic, as suggested by the study’s findings.

More about Traffic-related dementia risk

  • Health Data Science Journal
  • UK Biobank Study
  • Traffic Pollution and Dementia Research
  • Air Pollution and Brain Health
  • Neurological Impacts of Living Near Major Roads

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4 comments

Jane Smith December 12, 2023 - 12:45 pm

wow, this is really eye-opening, didnt know living near traffic could affect your brain like that.

Reply
Kevin T December 12, 2023 - 1:32 pm

So traffic can actually lead to dementia? That’s scary, but i guess it’s another reason to push for cleaner air in our cities.

Reply
Mike Johnson December 12, 2023 - 3:02 pm

interesting study, but how can we really avoid air pollution in big cities? seems like a tough problem to solve.

Reply
Sarah L December 13, 2023 - 3:15 am

i always thought it was just noise pollution that was the issue, never considered air pollution, need to rethink where i live maybe.

Reply

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