Clean Air Day highlights the urgent need to tackle air pollution, not just for environmental reasons, but for brain health. Recent evidence, including a study conducted by the Lancet Commission, shows a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
While there is evidence of air pollution’s effect on cognitive health, it remains a largely unexplored topic. Race Against Dementia is supporting two studies exploring the link between air pollution and dementia.
Dementia risk factors
There are 14 modifiable risk factors that affect the likelihood of someone developing dementia including physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, limited social interaction and air pollution exposure. The 2024 Lancet Commission report suggests that these risk factors account for around 45 per cent of worldwide dementias, which means that if we could change all 14 risk factors we could reduce dementia by over 45 per cent.
Research
Dr Jake Brooks is a Race Against Dementia fellow based at the University of Warwick, studying the effects of metal pollution particles on the brain. He is investigating the properties of the particles and how they interact with hallmark proteins in Alzheimer’s disease to cause damage to brain cells.
Engineering is a subject very close to Formula 1, with its relentless pursuit of breakthrough and improvement a mindset shared by Race Against Dementia. Dr Brooks’ background is as an engineer, and his knowledge and experience is providing a different perspective to his research on this specialised topic.
Another Race Against Dementia-funded project is Team RAPID (Role of Air Pollution In Dementia), which aims to uncover how PM 2.5 (tiny air particles) could be driving brain inflammation that causes neurodegeneration. Their research shows that when brain cells become overstimulated by pollution they release inflammatory substances that harm surrounding neurons. The damage could be a key driver behind the cognitive decline seen in dementia. You can explore Team RAPID’s research here.
Why this matters for our work
At Race Against Dementia, we are committed to not only finding a cure for dementia but also advocating for a healthier future to reduce the risk of it. That includes addressing environmental factors that may be contributing to the rising number of dementia cases in the UK and around the world.
Clean Air Day is a powerful reminder that protecting the planet also means protecting our brains– today and for generations to come.
