Neglect of environment and increasing air pollution is not only fatal for human health, but is also causing the creation of a sick society. A recent meta-study has revealed a dangerous relationship between air pollution and deteriorating memory. Poisonous particles present in the air-harmful gases such as fine dust and nitrogen dioxide, which are mainly released from vehicles and industrial processes, are directly affecting our brain. This comprehensive research is based on 51 studies associated with about 3 crore individuals. These findings are particularly worrying for countries like India, where air pollution levels are the highest in the world. If rich and developed countries are also struggling with the effects on mental health of pollution, then India cannot tolerate negligence. Dealing of air pollution should be our top priority.
The study warns that being in regular contact with polluted air increases the risk of dementia and memory, it is a progressive condition that reduces memory and cognitive abilities. Worldwide, around 5.74 million people are already affected by dementia. If immediate action is not taken to curb air pollution, this number can be trimmed to 15.28 crores by 2050. The increasing danger of dementia or dementia or forgetting disease in the world is so large that the number of people suffering from this disease will be tripled in the next twenty -five years.
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Researchers have considered the smoke or emission emissions emanating from the car in air pollution. It is noteworthy that a decline in the functionality of the brain of people living in a prolonged polluted environment may be seen to be seen as a decade, for example, a 50 -year -old person who breathe in toxic air can display the same cognitive ability as a 60 -year -old man. The first effect of air pollution affects the lungs and hearts, but it is not limited to there. These small particles present in the air go into the blood through our breath and then reach the mind directly. It weakens the ability to keep it. It becomes difficult to focus. It is difficult to learn and remember new things. In some cases the possibility of depression means depression.
Published in The Lancet Planetary Health Journal, the study found that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in PM 2.5 (micro particles) increases the risk of memory related diseases by 17 percent. This danger increases by 13 percent due to the increase in black carbon from the smoke and burning wood of vehicles. These micro particles can reach the brain by ignoring our respiratory and circulation system and cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which eventually damages neurons. It can have far -reaching consequences. Polluted air not only affects the health of the lungs and heart, but also weakens memory, concentration, learning and emotional stability. Studies have shown that children living in high pollution areas perform poorly in school examinations compared to those living in a clean environment. Adults who come in contact with polluted air often experience irritability, fatigue and even depression. Their productivity and decision -making ability may also be affected.
The effect of memory loss induced by pollution is not limited to individuals only, it also affects educational results, efficiency of the workplace and social decision making. Statistics indicate that people in high-pm areas score fewer marks in oral flow, logic, learning and memory tests, which is like losing an entire year of education. A recent study has shown how cognitive distraction in regular functions such as grocery purchases increases due to exposure to pollution. Older and less educated individuals are particularly insecure, often lose their ability to perform everyday tasks and become more dependent on others.
Despite the rising danger, medical science currently does not give any definite cure for dementia. Current treatment is limited and often ineffective, with patients gradually lose their memory and freedom. Dr. Christian Breedle at the University of Cambridge, the co-head of the study, emphasizes that the prevention of dementia is not just the responsibility of healthcare. Urban planning, transport policies and environmental rules all play an important role in dealing with this crisis. Air pollution not only damages personal health, but also distorts collective thinking, lifestyle options and environmental decisions. Large scale, it contributes to a decrease in educational achievement, decrease in productivity, increasing burden of healthcare and deep economic inequalities. A separate study conducted on 1.2 million people in Washington has shown that the risk of dementia increases by 18–21 percent by exposure to wildfire smoke, which increases the level of PM 2.5. Another comprehensive review done by the University of Cambridge (on 2.9 crore people in 51 studies) confirmed that exposure to PM 2.5 increases the risk of dementia by 13–17 percent. Science is clear that these subtle particles enter the respiratory system and the brain to depth, disrupt the function of the brain and accelerate mental decline.
Recently in a research conducted in China, the contact of PM and nitrogen oxide has been linked to the reduction in cognitive capacity in the middle age and older people, especially working memory. This is a growing crisis whose effects are falling not only on individuals but on the whole society. We have to accept that air pollution is no longer limited to cough or respiratory disease, it is quietly attacking our memory, cognitive functions and mental health. People may feel mental fatigue, depression or irritability. At the collective level, there is a decline in education and productivity, increasing health burden and economic inequality. If immediate and decisive steps are not taken, the situation will deteriorate further. Air pollution leads to harmful chemical reactions in the body that damage cells, proteins, and DNA, paving the way for neurological diseases such as dementia. Encouraged, research suggests that reducing air pollution can provide long -term benefits in health, economic, social and climate regions. This will also reduce the burden on patients, families and carers. Now we have to ask ourselves the question that how far we are willing to go to protect our lungs, but also our mind?
– Fine Garg
Writer, journalist, columnist