ISLAMABAD: Air pollution, along with a range of other environmental factors have been included in a new shortlist linked to the risk of getting dementia, says a study.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh and elsewhere compiled the list after reviewing dozens of studies which investigated the risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, reported BBC health.
They found was that a lack of vitamin D, air pollution and exposure to certain types of pesticides were all found to raise the dementia risk. In addition to these, excessive minerals in drinking water were also found to be linked to the disease.
It’s important to note however that these are not proven causes of the condition, instead they’re simply associations and common linkages found during the studies.
Lead scientist Dr Tom Russ, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “Our ultimate goal is to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Environmental risk factors are an important new area to consider here, particularly since we might be able to do something about them.
“We found that the evidence is particularly strong for air pollution and vitamin D deficiency. But we really need more research to find out whether these factors are actually causing dementia and how, and if so, what we can do to prevent this.”
About a third of a person’s risk of developing dementia remains unexplained, pointing to the potential involvement of environmental factors.
Mineral rich drinking water has also been added to the shortlist of environmental factors.
