Striking study in the US: Exposure to this may increase Alzheimer's risk
A study conducted in the US has revealed that exposure to outdoor artificial light at night may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly for those under the age of 65.
AA
Researchers from Rush University in the US examined factors contributing to light pollution, such as street lighting and illuminated signs, across 48 states in the country.
As a result of the study, researchers concluded that Alzheimer's cases are more common in areas with higher levels of artificial light at night, determining that artificial light can disrupt the body's biological clock and sleep patterns, potentially leading to cognitive decline.
The researchers found that exposure to outdoor artificial light increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's for those under 65 more than other factors such as alcohol consumption, chronic kidney disease, and obesity.
Robin Voigt-Zuwala, one of the researchers, stated, "Nighttime light pollution, a modifiable environmental factor, may pose a significant risk (for developing Alzheimer's)."
To reduce the negative effects of artificial light exposure at night, the use of blackout curtains or sleep masks was recommended.
The study was published in the journal "Frontiers in Neuroscience".