Nisha Pandey

Delhi’s Air Pollution May Be Harming The Brain, Not Just The Lungs: Report

<span>Delhi</span>’s air pollution may be doing more than triggering respiratory problems and heart disease. A new review by Delhi University researchers suggests prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter could also affect the brain. It said that smog could lead to changes in the brain structure, memory, attention and other cognitive functions. 

Researchers examined 129 peer-reviewed studies on the neurological effects of particulate matter and found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 may contribute to cognitive impairment and structural and functional changes in the brain. 

The findings are particularly relevant for Delhi, where residents can face prolonged exposure to fine particles during periods of <span>poor air quality</span>. 

<h2>PM2.5 May Reach The Brain Through Multiple Pathways </h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/lung-cancer-isnt-just-a-smokers-disease-understanding-the-risk-factors-beyond-tobacco-article-155224516" data-type="tilCustomLink">PM2.5</a> refers to particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. 

According to the review, some of these particles may also reach the central nervous system through the olfactory pathway in the nose. 

Researchers also stated that air pollution can affect the blood-brain barrier, which normally helps prevent harmful substances in the bloodstream from reaching brain tissue. 

Vandana Mishra, one of the researchers associated with the review, said, “Air pollution is no longer only a lung and heart problem; it is increasingly a brain-health problem.” 

She added that research now links long-term particulate-matter exposure with cognitive decline, impaired neurodevelopment and biological processes linked with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/want-to-avoid-dementia-start-these-3-habits-in-your-late-40s-study-suggests-article-155361016" data-type="tilCustomLink">Alzheimer’s</a> and Parkinson’s diseases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-everyone-is-talking-about-inflammaging-the-silent-cause-of-premature-skin-ageing-article-155627623" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Everyone Is Talking About 'Inflammaging'? The Silent Cause Of Premature Skin Ageing</a> 

<h2>Pollution Can Trigger Inflammation And Oxidative Stress </h2>

The review identified several biological pathways through which PM2.5 could affect the brain. Fine particles can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially damaging cells and their connections. 

Researchers also noted effects on mitochondria, the structures responsible for producing energy inside cells. 

Another concern involves immune cells within the brain. Persistent activation of these cells by <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/heart-patients-may-be-much-more-vulnerable-than-you-know-some-common-symptoms-to-look-out-for-article-151074774" data-type="tilCustomLink">pollution-related inflammation</a> may affect neurons and their connections. 

The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex could be particularly be affected as they play major roles in memory, learning, attention, planning and decision-making.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/air-pollution-may-increase-the-risk-of-painful-rheumatoid-arthritis-flares-study-finds-article-155322612" data-type="tilCustomLink">Air Pollution May Increase The Risk Of Painful Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares, Study Finds</a> 

<h2>Brain Structure May Also Be Affected </h2>

The review found evidence from neuroimaging studies suggesting that chronic exposure to <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/air-pollution-decreases-male-fertility-noise-pollution-poses-risk-for-womens-reproductive-health-article-151036948" data-type="tilCustomLink">air pollution</a> may be associated with reductions in brain volume and cortical thickness, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes. 

Researchers also cited studies reporting changes in the hippocampus and disruptions in connections between different regions of the brain. 

These findings do not mean that every person exposed to Delhi's pollution will develop brain disease. Instead, they indicate that long-term exposure may be associated with biological and cognitive changes that need to be investigated further.

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<h2>Children And Young People Particularly Vulnerable </h2>

The review also raises concerns about exposure during childhood, when the brain is still developing. Researchers cited studies reporting differences in grey and white matter volumes among children exposed to air pollution, along with possible associations with attention, behaviour and cognitive development. 

Early-life exposure may be particularly important as the brain undergoes rapid development during childhood, including the formation and strengthening of connections between nerve cells. 

The researchers have cautioned against interpreting the findings as proof that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/top-10-us-cities-with-worst-air-pollution-article-151800356" data-type="tilCustomLink">Delhi's air pollution</a> directly causes Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

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Delhi’s air pollution may be doing more than triggering respiratory problems and heart disease. A new review by Delhi University researchers suggests prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter could also affect the brain. It said that smog could lead to changes in the brain structure, memory, attention and other cognitive functions. Researchers examined 129 peer-reviewed studies on the neurological effects of particulate matter and found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 may contribute to cognitive impairment and structural and functional changes in the brain. The findings are particularly relevant for Delhi, where residents can face prolonged exposure to fine particles during periods of poor air quality. PM2.5 May Reach The Brain Through Multiple Pathways PM2.5 refers to particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. According to the review, some of these particles may also reach the central nervous system through the olfactory pathway in the nose. Researchers also stated that air pollution can affect the blood-brain barrier, which normally helps prevent harmful substances in the bloodstream from reaching brain tissue. Vandana Mishra, one of the researchers associated with the review, said, “Air pollution is no longer only a lung and heart problem; it is increasingly a brain-health problem.” She added that research now links long-term particulate-matter exposure with cognitive decline, impaired neurodevelopment and biological processes linked with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Also read: Why Everyone Is Talking About 'Inflammaging'? The Silent Cause Of Premature Skin Ageing Pollution Can Trigger Inflammation And Oxidative Stress The review identified several biological pathways through which PM2.5 could affect the brain. Fine particles can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially damaging cells and their connections. Researchers also noted effects on mitochondria, the structures responsible for producing energy inside cells. Another concern involves immune cells within the brain. Persistent activation of these cells by pollution-related inflammation may affect neurons and their connections. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex could be particularly be affected as they play major roles in memory, learning, attention, planning and decision-making.Also read: Air Pollution May Increase The Risk Of Painful Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares, Study Finds Brain Structure May Also Be Affected The review found evidence from neuroimaging studies suggesting that chronic exposure to air pollution may be associated with reductions in brain volume and cortical thickness, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes. Researchers also cited studies reporting changes in the hippocampus and disruptions in connections between different regions of the brain. These findings do not mean that every person exposed to Delhi's pollution will develop brain disease. Instead, they indicate that long-term exposure may be associated with biological and cognitive changes that need to be investigated further.                   Children And Young People Particularly Vulnerable The review also raises concerns about exposure during childhood, when the brain is still developing. Researchers cited studies reporting differences in grey and white matter volumes among children exposed to air pollution, along with possible associations with attention, behaviour and cognitive development. Early-life exposure may be particularly important as the brain undergoes rapid development during childhood, including the formation and strengthening of connections between nerve cells. The researchers have cautioned against interpreting the findings as proof that Delhi's air pollution directly causes Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

delhi’s air pollution may be harming the brain, not just the lungs: report

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