Even breathing increases the risk of dementia...

A new study has revealed that millions of people may be increasing their risk of dementia simply by breathing.

The research was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. 

It was noted that none of the adults participating in the study had dementia at the beginning. Researchers examined the air quality in the places where the participants lived over a 10-year period, analyzing the sources they used and the air pollution they were exposed to. 

30 TIMES SMALLER THAN THE WIDTH OF A HUMAN HAIR

It was determined that what triggers Alzheimer's and dementia is particulate matter (PM2.5), a microscopic mixture of solid and liquid droplets found in the air that is 30 times smaller than the width of an average human hair. It was stated that the substance is small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and then pass into the bloodstream.

The study also discovered that the risk posed by wildfire pollution carries a greater threat to brain health, even when exposure is low.

Researchers stated that PM2.5 originating from wildfires is riskier because it reproduces at higher temperatures, contains a more intense mixture of toxic chemicals, and is, on average, smaller in diameter than other sources. 

AIR POLLUTION CAUSED BY WILDFIRES POSES A THREAT TO BRAIN HEALTH

Claire Sexton, Senior Director of Scientific Programs at the Alzheimer's Association, said, "With the increase in wildfires worldwide, exposure to this type of air pollution is becoming an increasing threat to brain health. These findings highlight the importance of implementing policies to prevent wildfires and researching better methods to deal with them." 

It was also revealed that high levels of fine particulate matter increase the risk of heart disease and asthma. 

To reduce the risks, people were urged to wear N95 masks outdoors when the Air Quality Index reaches 100.