“For many decades, researchers believed that the brain could be protected from the harmful effects of air pollution,” said senior researcher Dr. Chris Carlsten, professor and director of respiratory medicine and Canada Research Director for Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases at UBC. “This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a link between air pollution and cognition.”
For the study, researchers briefly exposed 25 healthy adults to diesel exhaust and filtered air at different times in a laboratory setting. Brain activity was measured before and after each exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
The researchers analyzed changes in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a group of interconnected brain regions that play an important role in memory and internal thinking. FMRI revealed that participants had reduced functional connectivity in widespread DMN regions after exposure to diesel exhaust compared to filtered air.
“We know that altered functional connectivity in the DMN has been linked to impaired cognitive performance and symptoms of depression, so it is concerning to see traffic pollution disrupting these same networks,” said Dr. Jodie Gawryluk, professor of psychology at the University of Victoria and first author of the study. “While more research is needed to fully understand the functional effects of these changes, it is possible that they may impair people’s thinking or ability to work.”
Protect yourself
In particular, the changes in the brain were temporary and the participants’ connectivity returned to normal after the exposure. Dr. Carlsten speculates that the effects may be long-lasting if exposure is continuous. He said people should be aware of the air they breathe and take appropriate steps to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful air pollutants such as car exhaust.
“People might want to think twice the next time they’re stuck in traffic with the windows down,” said Dr Carlsten. “It’s important to make sure your car’s air filter is in good working order, and if you’re walking or cycling on a busy street, consider changing to a less congested route.”
Although the current study only looked at the cognitive effects of traffic pollution, Dr. Carlsten said other combustion products are likely to be a concern.
“Air pollution is now recognized as the greatest environmental threat to human health, and we are increasingly seeing its effects in all major life systems,” says Dr. Carlsten. “I expect we would see similar effects on the brain from exposure to other air pollutants, such as wildfire smoke. With neurocognitive disorders on the rise, that’s an important consideration for public health officials and policy makers.”
The research was conducted at UBC’s Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, located at Vancouver General Hospital, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art exposure booth that can simulate the inhalation of various air pollutants. In this study, which was carefully designed and approved for safety, the researchers used freshly produced exhaust gas that had been diluted and aged to match real-world conditions.
HT
Source: ANI
Source: The Nordic Page