Air Pollution and its Neurodegenerative Effects in Urban Areas

Introduction: Rapid urbanization in the 21st century has substantially increased air pollution levels, with more than 55% of the global population now residing in urban areas. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic exposure to urban air pollutants may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly among older adults. However, limited data are available from developing countries such as India, where urban air pollution remains a major public health concern. Objectives: To investigate the association between chronic exposure to urban air pollution and cognitive decline among adults aged 45 years and above in selected urban centers of India. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was employed. Air quality data and health records were collected from three major urban centers in India. Cognitive performance was assessed using standardized cognitive assessment tools, and in-depth interviews were conducted among 300 participants aged ≥45 years. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses to determine the relationship between air pollutant exposure and cognitive performance. Results: Findings revealed a significant inverse correlation between chronic exposure to urban air pollution and cognitive performance. Participants residing in high-pollution areas demonstrated significantly lower cognitive scores compared to those in lower-pollution areas. A moderate negative correlation was observed between PM2.5 concentrations and cognitive performance. Regression analysis identified PM2.5 and NO₂ as significant predictors of cognitive decline among older adults. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that chronic exposure to urban air pollution is significantly associated with cognitive decline and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions in older adults. These findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental regulators to implement effective air quality control measures to protect brain health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income communities. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v16.i1.11800