Research revealed that nickel nanoparticles found in air pollution increased the amyloid levels in the brain that are also found at elevated levels in Alzheimer’s disease. This work prompted further investigation into how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause Alzheimer’s. A separate study determined that air pollution might play a role in elevating the risk for Alzheimer’s disease citing nanoparticles emitted from vehicle exhaust as potential threats. 

Sam Gandy, M.D., Ph.D., Mount Sinai and Caleb Finch, Ph.D., University of Southern California