Living in a densely populated city has its ups and downs. Although everything seems to be accessible for 24 hours and convenience is at your fingertips, city living is synonymous with high level of air pollution. Air pollution is a condition in which the air is contaminated with excessive quantities of chemical substance, particulates, or harmful biological molecules. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation states that air pollution contributes to more than 6 million deaths in 2016.
Air pollution may cause numerous health disturbances, including stroke, heart attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema), and lung cancer. A recent study led by the University of Montana also proves that indicators and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are present in children and teenagers living in polluted cities.
The study studied autopsies of 203 diseased Mexico City residents between the age of 11 months to 40 years old. Scoring significantly high in the air pollution index set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mexico City is known as one of the most polluted cities in the world. The researchers found two proteins associated with Alzheimer’s called hyperphosphorylated tau and beta amyloid at above-normal levels in 99.5% of the autopsies, including that of the 11 month old baby. They also discovered Apolipoprotein E (APOE 4), a gene linked with Alzheimer’s.
Cities with high level of air pollution leads to the accelerating onset of Alzheimer’ disease. Harmful particulates from the polluted air can enter the respiratory system and disturb metabolism. Although the study does not prove that Alzheimer’s and air pollution is a direct cause-and-effect situation, it certainly demonstrates that the interaction between the environment, nutrition, metabolism, and genetic factors is key to early prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from news.uchicago.edu
Source(s):
- Evidence mounts for Alzheimer’s, suicide risk among youth in polluted cities (2018). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180413155259.htm, 24 April 2018.
- Garciduenas, L. C., Maciel, A. G., Robles, R. R. et al (2018). Hallmarks of Alzheimer disease are evolving relentlessly in Metropolitan City infants, children and young adults. APOE4 carriers have higher suicide risk and higher odds of reaching NFT stage V at < 40 years of age. Environmental Research vol 164:475-487, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.023.
- Tanpa Disadari, Polusi Udara Bunuh Jutaan Jiwa Setiap Tahun (2018). http://nationalgeographic.co.id/berita/2018/02/tanpa-disadari-polusi-udara-bunuh-jutaan-jiwa-setiap-tahun, 24 April 2018.