Proximity to Heavy Traffic Raises Dementia Risk – But Not That of MS, Study Finds

                                                                  

The effect air and noise pollution can have on the development of neurodegenerative diseases is not fully understood, but results from a large study published in The Lancet suggest living close to heavy-traffic roadways could increase the risk of developing dementia — but not other neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease.

Heavy traffic — in addition to being noisy — can increase levels of nitrogen oxide, ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds in the air. Studies have shown that some of the pollutants impair cognitive function in animal models and alter brain structure.

“Living near major roads and the incidence of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study” examined the role heavy-traffic exposure has in the development of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and MS — three of the most common neuro-degenerative diseases.

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