An analysis of studies released on Friday found that regular exposure to air pollution, especially that from vehicle exhaust emissions, can raise your risk of dementia.

Around 57.4 million people worldwide suffer from dementias like Alzheimer’s disease; by 2050, that figure is predicted to nearly treble to 152.8 million cases. According to the study, which was published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, a person’s relative risk of dementia would rise by 17% for every 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter.

The relative risk for the cognitive disorder rose by 13% for every 1 microgram of soot per cubic meter of PM2.5. Burning wood and vehicle exhaust emissions are two sources of soot.

“These results highlight the necessity of preventing dementia through an integrated approach. Dr. Christiaan Bredell, a co-first author from the University of Cambridge, stated, “This study reinforces the case that urban planning, transportation policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play in preventing dementia.

Dementia develops and worsens as a result of air pollution’s effects on the brain, including inflammation and oxidative stress, a bodily chemical process that can harm cells, proteins, and DNA.

“Reducing air pollution can have long-term positive effects on the economy, society, health, and climate. According to Dr. Haneen Khreis of the MRC Epidemiology Unit, “it can ease the tremendous strain on patients, families, and caregivers while relieving pressure on overburdened health care systems.”

The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the body of scientific literature in order to conduct the study. 51 studies, primarily from high-income nations, were included, with data from over 29 million participants.

The meta-analysis comprised 34 of these publications, with 15 coming from North America, 10 from Europe, 7 from Asia, and 2 from Australia.

The researchers discovered a positive and statistically significant correlation between dementia and soot, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 millimeters or smaller (PM2.5).

Subsequent investigation showed that vascular dementia, a form of dementia brought on by decreased blood flow to the brain, was more affected by exposure to these contaminants.