Source: National Geographic
A new study published in Proceedings for the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to air pollution leads to cognitive declines, especially in older, less-educated men.
Researchers predict that white brain matter which is associated with language is damaged or impacted by long-term exposure to particulate matter. Men have less white matter in their brains, other studies have shown, which puts them more at risk of losing white brain matter.
Previous studies have found that air pollution impacts lung health, but this new study found that it could also affect the brain.
Researchers believe the blood that is pumped from the lungs, which are directly affected by air pollution, then goes to the heart and the immune system is triggered to cause inflammating and aging on the brain over time.
Read Full Story: National Geographic