THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AIR POLLUTION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the global health problems in the modern world, wich is associated with lung, cardio-vascular and neurological diseases. Polluted air contains particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), lead (Pb), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxide (NO), organic matter and other metals. The effects of the forementioned   substances on the human body and on the Alzheimer’s disease varies, but  most likely is a result of the oxidative stress, irreversible chronic neurodegenerative changes in the brain, neuroinflammation and microglial hyperactivation, but their harmful effects are still studied. Exposure to the polluted air has been associated with mental problems, low IQ, impaired cognitive development, Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), heart and lung cancers, the stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression… Alzheimer’s disease belongs to neurodegenerative pathologies, during which the formed amyloid plaques affect the persons memory and the ability of decision making. It is related to both genetic and environmental factors and usually occurs in elderly in their mid-60s. In this article we will try to conclude the effects of the different air pollutants on the Alzheimer’s disease, describe their presumed working mechanisms and evaluate current situation regarding this issue.