By Free Republic | Created at 2024-10-26 04:24:44 | Updated at 2024-10-26 07:18:20
3 hours ago
Systemic inflammation may play a role in how air pollution contributes to cognitive impairment
Medical Xpress / University of Luxembourg / Alzheimer's & Dementia ^ | Oct. 21, 2024 | Raphaël Cayrol / Benjamin Aretz et al
Posted on 10/25/2024 9:15:08 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Air pollution is often viewed as an outdoor hazard and a threat to respiratory health. Emerging research shows that air pollution may also affect our brain health. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a complex mixture of many chemicals that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. While PM2.5 exposure has long been linked to tissue damage and inflammation in the lung, its role in cognitive decline is only now gaining attention.
Researchers have uncovered a potential link: systemic inflammation, driven by an increase in monocytes—a type of white blood cells—may be a key mediator in how PM2.5 exposure contributes to cognitive impairment.
PM2.5 are fine airborne particles small enough to enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. Long-term exposure has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
While most studies on cognitive decline focus on elderly people, there is growing evidence that chronic low-level exposure to PM2.5 may also affect younger adults.
To explore this, the researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 participants in the Dutch Lifelines cohort. Combining adult participants' blood analysis and cognitive testing over a period of 10 years.
The researchers found that PM2.5 exposure correlates with a decline in cognitive processing time (CPT), a measure of how quickly the brain can respond to stimuli. Interestingly, an increase in white blood cell count, particularly monocytes, the largest subtype involved in immune responses, mediated a significant part of this effect.
"Systemic inflammation may act as a key intermediary, linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired cognitive function," explains Dr. Benjamin Aretz.
While PM2.5 can directly affect the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and triggering local inflammation, this study highlights the broader systemic inflammation upon exposure.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS:
Dear FRiends, Our FReepathon Status:
For the time being, we will not be able to accept credit card donations, but our PayPal system still works, and of course mail-in donations still work fine.
By the way, it seems you don't need to have a PayPal account to use this feature. You can also donate by debit or credit card on the PayPal page.
Click here to donate by PayPal or credit/debit card
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you all very much, and God Bless you.
Jim and Chris
A HEPA filter does extremely well at covering all PM2.5. However, MERV 8 can catch about 50% of them, with higher MERV air filters doing even better.
To: ConservativeMind
2 posted on 10/25/2024 9:15:32 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; BusterDog; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; ...
The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.
Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.
3 posted on 10/25/2024 9:16:09 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
To: ConservativeMind
Sorry, I meant to say MERV 10– NOT MERV 8.
Brain cramp.
4 posted on 10/25/2024 9:16:54 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
To: ConservativeMind
Sorry, I meant to say MERV 10– NOT MERV 8.
5 posted on 10/25/2024 9:22:18 PM PDT by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson
