Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have uncovered a startling connection between light pollution at night and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This groundbreaking study, recently published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, highlights how exposure to artificial light during nighttime could be a contributing environmental factor in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, leads to the progressive decline in cognitive function, characterized by memory loss and confusion. The disease involves the formation of abnormal brain plaques and tangles, affecting neurons critical for memory storage and processing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 55 million people globally suffer from dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for approximately 75% of these cases. In India alone, estimates suggest that between 3 to 9 million individuals are affected, a figure expected to rise as the population ages.
The study, led by researchers Robin Voigt, Bichun Ouyang, and Ali Keshavarzian, adds a novel dimension to our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk factors by identifying light pollution as a significant environmental contributor. Using satellite data on light pollution in conjunction with Medicare reports on Alzheimer’s prevalence, the team found that while conditions like diabetes and hypertension have a stronger correlation with Alzheimer’s, light pollution also showed a notable association. This link was found to be more significant than other commonly recognized risk factors such as alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
Particularly concerning is the study’s finding that light pollution has a more pronounced effect on early-onset Alzheimer’s, impacting individuals under the age of 65. Dr. Robin Voigt explained to The Guardian that nighttime light disrupts natural circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep quality. This disruption not only increases susceptibility to Alzheimer’s but also exacerbates other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and depression.
With approximately 80% of the global population exposed to light pollution, the study underscores the need for heightened awareness and policy changes. While artificial nighttime lighting is often deemed beneficial for safety, its negative health impacts are increasingly recognized. This research calls for a reassessment of how we manage light pollution to safeguard public health and address its potential role in the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease.
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