Light pollution may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Nighttime light pollution may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, investigators examined Medicare Chronic Conditions data, satellite-acquired light intensity measurements and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data between 2012 and 2018.

They discovered that exposure to higher outdoor nighttime light intensity was associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and stroke were risk factors that had stronger correlations with Alzheimer’s disease compared with nighttime light intensity.

The investigators proposed that nighttime light pollution can lead to sleep and circadian rhythm disruption as well as biochemical changes — leading to heightened levels of inflammation. The findings suggested the need for strategies to better manage environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

Read more: Frontiers in Neuroscience

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