Air Pollution Now Greatest Risk Factor For Dementia Worldwide, Causing 625,000 Deaths

While there are many factors like age, genetics and lifestyle that can damage your brain cells, a new international study has shown that air pollution is one of the greatest risks in today’s generation that can cause cognitive decline by damaging brain cells.

The study, which is now published in the State of Global Air reports that about 6,25,000 people die across the globe due to dementia caused by air pollution. This number accounts for one-third of all deaths from the condition. Researchers highlight in the study a severe public health crisis caused by microscopic air contaminants.

Air Pollution Linked To Neurodegenerative Diseases

The findings which are produced by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), in partnership with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the NCD Alliance, indicate that fine particulate matter and other air pollutants not only affect lung and cardiovascular health but can also trigger neurodegenerative diseases like dementia on a large scale.

Scientists who carried out the findings emphasise that reducing pollution exposure to PM 2.5 levels is crucial to control the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases, including all forms of dementia. The recent study conveys a message to the government and public that pollution is not only shortening lifespan but also severely compromising the quality of life in later years.

Other Health Risks

Previous studies have shown that air pollution is also one of the leading causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases, apart from other well-known illnesses. Leading rheumatologists during the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association – IRACON 2025, held between 9 to 12 October, cited that toxic air and PM2.5 pollution could be fuelling a surge in rheumatoid arthritis cases across Delhi-NCR.

While speaking to the media, Dr Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi, highlighted an emerging trend, i.e. an increasing number of RA patients reporting with no family history or genetic predisposition to autoimmune disease.

Tips To Prevent Health Risks

To take cognizance of pollution associated with certain health risks across the globe, healthcare providers are urging people to reduce exposure to pollution emitted from cars, factories, or burning solid fuels inside the home.

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