Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Infections Increase Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Ukraintseva Svetlana, Popov Vladimir, Duan Hongzhe, Yashkin Arseniy, Akushevich Igor, Arbeev Konstantin, Yashin Anatoliy
Primary Institution: Duke University
Hypothesis
How does the interplay between a history of infections and exposure to traffic-related air pollution affect the risks of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in older adults?
Conclusion
The study found that having both a history of infections and exposure to traffic-related air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The presence of both a history of infections and exposure to traffic-related air pollution was associated with a 177% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease onset after age 75.
- Chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution was measured by the distance of participants' homes to major roads.
Takeaway
If you get sick a lot and live near busy roads, you might have a higher chance of getting Alzheimer's when you get older.
Methodology
The study used ICD9/ICD10 codes for diagnoses and assessed exposure to traffic-related air pollution based on proximity to major roads.
Participant Demographics
UK Biobank participants aged 60-75.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
[1.86, 4.11]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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