NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests that elevated levels of vitamin B-related amino acids may be associated with the risk of air pollution-related dementia. While the study does not establish cause and effect, it does highlight a potential link between pollution, amino acids and dementia.
Understanding the Study Findings
Researchwas focused on fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which consists of airborne pollutants. The researchers also studied two amino acids – methionine and homocysteine. Methionine is an essential amino acid involved in normal brain function and is found in various foods. Homocysteine is produced in cells and can be converted to methionine in a reaction that requires the participation of vitamin B12 and folate.
Dr Julia Grande, study author from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, said: “In this study, we found that two types of vitamin B-related amino acids play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk of dementia caused by air pollution.”
The study involved more than 2,500 adults with an average age of 73 years living in central Stockholm for 12 years. 376 of them developed dementia. The researchers calculated average annual PM2.5 levels by location and found that those who developed dementia had an average exposure of 8.4 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), compared with 8.3 µg/m3 for those who who have not developed dementia.
After adjusting for various factors including age, sex, smoking and education, the researchers found that the risk of developing dementia increased by 70% for every one microgram/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure in the five years before the study.
The role of amino acids
The study also examined the effect of amino acids on the relationship between air pollution and dementia. The researchers found that about half of the increased risk of dementia due to PM2.5 exposure was associated with high homocysteine levels or low methionine levels.
Dr Grande explained: “Our results showed that elevated homocysteine levels and low methionine levels play a role in determining the risk of dementia associated with air pollution, but also showed that there is a significant direct effect of air pollution on the development of dementia, allowing suggest that air pollution influences the development of dementia through multiple pathways.”
While this study provides valuable insight into the potential link between air pollution, amino acids and dementia, it does not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is needed to understand the precise biological mechanisms underlying air pollution-induced brain damage.
Air pollution has long been associated with a variety of health problems, including breathing problems and cardiovascular disease. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that air pollution may also affect brain health.
Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, commented on the study’s findings, saying: “While this study suggests an association between air pollution and the risk of dementia, it does not provide conclusive evidence that one causes the other.”
Dr Reynolds stressed the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and added: “It is also important to remember that air pollution is just one of many factors that can contribute to the development of dementia, and people can take steps to reduce their risk by adopting healthy lifestyle choices.” .
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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