A Review on Air Pollution and a Link with Neurodegenerative Diseases in Nigeria

Abstract

Pollution is a common and inevitable situation, encompassing environmental threats and virulent composites from the air, water, soil, and food. Air pollution is becoming a global health challenge, affecting millions of lives. Although many of these pollutants have been identified, this paper is reviewing the established link between air pollution and neurodegenerative disease due to the increase in cases of neurodegenerative disease in middle- and low-income countries like Nigeria. This article reviewed the establishment of a possible relationship between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases in Nigeria and Africa. Different literature sources were reviewed to identify the sources of air pollution, determine the level of awareness among citizens on the effects of air pollution, know the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in air-polluted areas, life expectancy in such areas, existing diseases caused by air pollution, and their relationship with neurodegenerative diseases. Available literature on heavy metal pollutants in the brains of animal models from different zones of Nigeria and evidence of neurodegeneration in different animal species was also reviewed. In conclusion, one major setback is that there is no specific data on the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in major air-polluted areas in Nigeria, hence, the need for awareness to alert occupants and citizens to neurodegenerative diseases and their connection with air pollution. It is also advised that the government implement steps to solve these difficulties, such as the employment of biodegradation and bioremediation in the removal of contaminants.