Study: Improving air quality may reduce dementia risk

Several new studies suggest improving air quality could reduce the risk of dementia worldwide.

The first from the University of Southern California showed lowering fine particulate matter and traffic pollutants by 10% cut dementia risk in older women by 14%.

A similar French study found a reduction in fine particulate matter between 1990 and 2000 was associated with a 15% drop in dementia rates.

Finally, University of Washington researchers found long-term exposure to air pollution was linked to higher blood levels of beta amyloid proteins, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.