Fine particulate matter induces systemic chronic inflammation, resulting in diminished brain function. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study conducted by Cho Jae-Lim and Kim Changsoo from the Department of Preventive Medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine reveals a concerning link between elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter and cognitive decline, heightening the susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease and other mental disorders.
Published in the journal Environment International, the study underscores the adverse impact of air pollution, encompassing fine and ultrafine particulate matter as well as nitrogen dioxide, on cognitive function and cerebral cortex thickness. The research indicates that exposure to such pollutants leads to cortical thinning, a phenomenon observed in individuals with dementia, signifying brain atrophy.
According to Cho, fine particulate matter induces systemic chronic inflammation, resulting in diminished brain function. Notably, particulate matter with a diameter of 100 nanometers or less poses a heightened threat as it directly enters the brain through the olfactory nerve pathways in the nasal passages.
A previous investigation by a team of researchers led by Cho in 2020 demonstrated that increased concentrations of fine particulate matter correlate with a reduction in the size of the frontal, temporal, and hippocampal lobes.
The frontal lobe exhibited a decrease of 0.02 mm for every 10 μg/m3 rise in fine dust, while the vulnerable temporal lobe experienced a thinning of 0.06 mm for every 10 μg/m3 increase in fine dust and 0.18 mm for every 10 μg/m3 increase in ultrafine dust.
The hippocampus, a crucial region linked to Alzheimer’s pathology, exhibited a volume reduction of 55.4 cubic meters for every 10 μg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter.
Given that the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and hippocampus are integral to cognitive functions, their compromised thickness and volume could contribute to mental disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Cho emphasizes that while exposure to fine dust is not a guarantee of mental illness, those with a pre-existing predisposition are more likely to develop symptoms.
In light of the findings, Cho advocates lifestyle modifications to mitigate chronic inflammation caused by fine dust. These include avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining regular exercise, and ensuring consistent sleep patterns.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
