Pollution possible risk factor for Alzheimer's, suicide
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 3:55 PM - A recent study by researchers from the University of Montana shows polluted cities may play a role in an increase of both suicide and early stage Alzheimer’s in both children and young adults.
Over 200 autopsies were conducted from residents of Mexico City, a city with a population of 24 million. Every day they are exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
PM2.5 is a toxic air pollutant with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, at least 30 times smaller than a strand of human hair, making them small enough to invade person's airways.
This led to the researchers identifying two abnormal proteins in babies that could lead to early stage Alzheimer’s disease. The two proteins that they found are known as hyperphosphorylated tau and beta amyloid, both found in the human brain.
The researches also looked at Apolipoprotein-E (APOE 4), which is a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
(READ MORE: Pollution by the numbers)
Researchers found 99.5% of the subjects examined found hallmarks of the disease and those who are carrying APOE 4 had an even higher risk. Carriers of APOE 4 had an increased risk of suicide as well.
The authors believe the negative effects are caused by microscopic PM2.5 particles entering the brain through the nose and lungs.
"Alzheimer's disease hallmarks start in childhood in polluted environments, and we must implement effective preventative measures early," said Calderón-Garcidueñas, a physician and Ph.D. toxicologist in UM's Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences in statement. "It is useless to take reactive actions decades later."
The complete study can be found online at the Journal of Environmental Research.
