News — dementia risk

We often think of air pollution in terms of respiratory issues and environmental damage, but emerging research is painting a much more alarming picture. Our brains—once thought to be insulated from airborne toxins—are now recognized as vulnerable targets of chronic exposure to polluted air. The fine particulate matter that clogs our skies may also be silently eroding cognitive function and accelerating the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

This growing body of evidence is a wake-up call: the impact of air pollution on brain health is real, measurable, and deeply concerning. From subtle declines in memory to heightened risks for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, long-term exposure to polluted air is now considered a major, modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. As we examine the science behind this invisible threat, one thing becomes clear—we need to start treating air quality not just as an environmental issue, but as a critical public health priority.