Is the Air You’re Breathing Destroying Your Brain?

Dementia is one of the fastest-growing global health challenges. While age remains the primary risk factor, emerging research reveals another, often overlooked contributor: air pollution.

In her article for the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), “Addressing air pollution to reduce dementia risk”, Angela Bradshaw highlights the growing body of evidence linking long-term exposure to polluted air with cognitive decline and dementia.

How Polluted Air Reaches the Brain

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Once there, it may travel to the brain and trigger inflammation, cell damage, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), primarily emitted from traffic, is also suspected of contributing to neurodegenerative processes.

Several large-scale studies have shown a clear pattern:

The higher the long-term air pollution exposure, the greater the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia – even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution on cognitive health include older adults living in urban areas, where traffic-related emissions are typically higher. Children are also at significant risk, particularly when exposed to polluted air during early stages of brain development. Additionally, individuals with chronic health conditions may experience compounded effects from prolonged exposure to airborne pollutants. Even seemingly healthy people are not immune, especially if they spend extended time in buildings with poor ventilation or outdated filtration systems.

This issue becomes even more urgent when considering that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, particularly in tightly sealed buildings or facilities with insufficient air exchange.

What Building Operators Can Do

Health begins with the air we breathe.

Protecting cognitive health starts with effective air filtration – not just for today’s well-being but as an investment in long-term mental vitality.