Magnetite Pollution Linked to Alzheimer’s

Urban air pollution has consistently linked various health issues, including breast cancer, immune system disorders, osteoporosis, cardiovascular ailments, and dementia. However, pinpointing the precise mechanisms by which air pollution directly contributes to these diseases has posed a significant challenge for researchers.

For some time, epidemiological studies have revealed connections between Alzheimer’s disease and air pollution. Individuals residing in heavily polluted urban regions often exhibit slightly elevated incidences of neurodegenerative disorders.

Unraveling the Link Between Air Pollution and Neurodegeneration

Cindy Gunawan, the primary investigator of a recent study investigating the mechanisms underlying the association between air pollution and neurodegeneration, suggests that environmental or lifestyle factors significantly impact most cases of advanced Alzheimer’s disease.A specific component of air pollution particularly intrigues Gunawan.

Gunawan mentioned, “Prior research suggests that individuals residing in regions with elevated air pollution levels face an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, researchers have detected higher concentrations of magnetite, a magnetic iron oxide compound, in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Nevertheless, this study marks the first attempt to explore whether the presence of magnetite particles in the brain correlates with Alzheimer’s symptoms.”

Unveiling the Role of Magnetite in Brain Pollution

In 2016, a significant study introduced a striking hypothesis regarding magnetite particles in the human brain. Analyzing brain tissue samples from 37 deceased individuals, the research revealed an abundance of magnetite particles in frontal cortex tissue, predominantly originating from pollution. Unlike naturally formed magnetite, the particles from air pollution exhibited a distinct structure. Remarkably, air pollution-derived particles outnumbered naturally occurring ones by a ratio of 100 to one in most human brains.

A hypothesis suggests that magnetite in air pollution may significantly raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding the Brain’s Exposure to Magnetite

Kristine McGrath, a co-author of the study from the University of Technology Sydney, explains that magnetite, a common air pollutant from combustion processes like vehicle exhaust and coal-fired power stations, can enter the brain through inhalation.

Using mice predisposed to Alzheimer’s, researchers examined the effects of prolonged exposure to magnetite, iron, and diesel pollution. They found that while all pollution exposures had negative impacts, magnetite specifically led to increased anxiety, stress, neuronal cell loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress—hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s.

To conclude,these findings add to evidence showing air pollution’s harm to the brain, suggesting magnetite levels should be part of new air quality standards. However, it’s important to note that all these harmful pollutants come from the same sources—vehicle emissions and coal-fired power stations.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: The Risk Of Dementia Could Be Raised By Air Pollution Exposure