The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence
Abstract This narrative review explores the relationship between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Historically, air pollution has been linked primarily to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, but recent evidence suggests that it may also impact neurological health. With the glob...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-01-01
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| Series: | The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43162-025-00403-2 |
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| author | Nicholas Aderinto Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe Gbolahan Olatunji Emmanuel Kokori Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi Muili Opeyemi Abdulbasit Adetola Emmanuel Babalola Ayoola Abdulateef Mobolaji Mariam Tolulope Edun Kudirat Abike Giwa David Olawade Oluwaseun Oyewo Chimezirim Ezeano |
| author_facet | Nicholas Aderinto Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe Gbolahan Olatunji Emmanuel Kokori Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi Muili Opeyemi Abdulbasit Adetola Emmanuel Babalola Ayoola Abdulateef Mobolaji Mariam Tolulope Edun Kudirat Abike Giwa David Olawade Oluwaseun Oyewo Chimezirim Ezeano |
| author_sort | Nicholas Aderinto |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This narrative review explores the relationship between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Historically, air pollution has been linked primarily to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, but recent evidence suggests that it may also impact neurological health. With the global increase in neurodegenerative diseases, understanding environmental risk factors has become crucial. The review synthesizes findings from recent studies, highlighting the potential role of air pollutants—particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and heavy metals—in the onset and progression of NDs. Key mechanisms under investigation include brain inflammation and microglial activation, which are believed to contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Animal and human studies have shown correlations between air pollution exposure and increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Research indicates that air pollution may exacerbate neuroinflammation and cause white matter abnormalities, which disrupt neural communication and cognitive function. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that environmental factors like residential greenness and climate action could mitigate some of these adverse effects. Despite advancements, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the long-term impact of chronic exposure and the specific molecular pathways involved. This review shows the need for further research to clarify these mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. Addressing air pollution’s impact on neurodegenerative diseases requires comprehensive public health strategies, including stricter environmental regulations and increased awareness, alongside continued research into preventive and therapeutic measures. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b179b16dbbcd4a0f9565100639439f65 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2090-9098 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-b179b16dbbcd4a0f9565100639439f652025-08-20T02:54:39ZengSpringerOpenThe Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine2090-90982025-01-0137111610.1186/s43162-025-00403-2The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidenceNicholas Aderinto0Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe1Gbolahan Olatunji2Emmanuel Kokori3Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi4Muili Opeyemi Abdulbasit5Adetola Emmanuel Babalola6Ayoola Abdulateef Mobolaji7Mariam Tolulope Edun8Kudirat Abike Giwa9David Olawade10Oluwaseun Oyewo11Chimezirim Ezeano12Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of TechnologyDepartment of Anatomy, Nile University of NigeriaDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of IlorinDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of IlorinSiberian State Medical University, Tomsk, RussiaDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of TechnologyCollege of Medicine, University of Ibadan Faculty of Veterinary Anatomy, University of AbujaDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of IlorinCollege of Medicine, University of Ibadan University of East LondonLennox Specialist HospitalHealth Science Center, University of North TexasAbstract This narrative review explores the relationship between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Historically, air pollution has been linked primarily to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, but recent evidence suggests that it may also impact neurological health. With the global increase in neurodegenerative diseases, understanding environmental risk factors has become crucial. The review synthesizes findings from recent studies, highlighting the potential role of air pollutants—particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and heavy metals—in the onset and progression of NDs. Key mechanisms under investigation include brain inflammation and microglial activation, which are believed to contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Animal and human studies have shown correlations between air pollution exposure and increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Research indicates that air pollution may exacerbate neuroinflammation and cause white matter abnormalities, which disrupt neural communication and cognitive function. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that environmental factors like residential greenness and climate action could mitigate some of these adverse effects. Despite advancements, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the long-term impact of chronic exposure and the specific molecular pathways involved. This review shows the need for further research to clarify these mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. Addressing air pollution’s impact on neurodegenerative diseases requires comprehensive public health strategies, including stricter environmental regulations and increased awareness, alongside continued research into preventive and therapeutic measures.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43162-025-00403-2Air pollutionNeurodegenerative diseasesEnvironmental healthHealth policy |
| spellingShingle | Nicholas Aderinto Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe Gbolahan Olatunji Emmanuel Kokori Ikponmwosa Jude Ogieuhi Muili Opeyemi Abdulbasit Adetola Emmanuel Babalola Ayoola Abdulateef Mobolaji Mariam Tolulope Edun Kudirat Abike Giwa David Olawade Oluwaseun Oyewo Chimezirim Ezeano The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine Air pollution Neurodegenerative diseases Environmental health Health policy |
| title | The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence |
| title_full | The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence |
| title_fullStr | The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence |
| title_full_unstemmed | The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence |
| title_short | The impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases: a narrative review of current evidence |
| title_sort | impact of air pollution on neurodegenerative diseases a narrative review of current evidence |
| topic | Air pollution Neurodegenerative diseases Environmental health Health policy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43162-025-00403-2 |
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