Air Pollution and Alzheimer’s (2013/2016)

Posted February 15, 2018


Research by Sam Gandy, M.D., Ph.D., at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai revealed that nickel nanoparticles found in air pollution increased the amyloid levels of certain peptides in the brain that are also found at elevated levels in Alzheimer’s disease.


Gandy’s work prompted further investigation into how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause Alzheimer’s.

Caleb Finch, Ph.D., at the University of Southern California also determined in his study that air pollution might have a role in elevating the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Finch’s study cited nanoparticles emitted from vehicle exhaust as potential threats. He estimates that pollution from such particles contributes to at least 5% of all Alzheimer’s cases. Finch was awarded a multi-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue investigating this subject.