Air pollution exposure in youth linked to Alzheimer's damage: study

Researchers have found evidence of air pollution particles,  linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease-related damage, in the brain stems of young people.

With 90% of the world living in polluted air, the discovery could have far-reaching impacts on global populations, if future research can confirm the findings. 

While experts remain cautious of the findings, previous studies have confirmed that air pollution exposure increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

Published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists noted that pervasive, 'airborne and environmental nanoparticles may be a common signifier of neurodegenerative pathologies affecting urban-dwellers from their earliest childhood.'