- विज्ञापन -
Sahil Sharma: Researchers in the US have identified a link between nighttime light pollution and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. “Exposure to artificial light at night is one environmental factor that may influence Alzheimer’s,” the researchers from Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center noted in a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, which encompasses a range of conditions involving cognitive decline. It is characterized by the development of plaques and tangles in the brain and the accelerated aging of neurons responsible for memory storage and processing. Early signs include forgetfulness, and as the condition progresses, patients experience increasing confusion, get disoriented in familiar places, and struggle with planning and executing simple tasks.
According to 2023 estimates from the WHO, over 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for approximately 75% of these cases. In India, between 3 and 9 million people are estimated to suffer from the disease, a number expected to rise as the population ages. Previous research has indicated that Alzheimer’s may be influenced by various factors including genetics, medical conditions, and environmental stresses. The new study introduces light pollution as a previously unconsidered environmental factor.
Findings on Artificial Light pollution and Alzheimer’s relation
Utilizing satellite-acquired light pollution data from the US, the researchers mapped this information against publicly available Medicare data on Alzheimer’s prevalence. They also included other medical data on known or suspected risk factors in their analysis.
The study found that, while conditions such as diabetes and hypertension had a stronger correlation with Alzheimer’s prevalence than nighttime light intensity, light pollution was more closely linked to the disease than alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, depression, heart failure, and obesity—risk factors commonly associated with Alzheimer’s.
The correlation with light exposure was particularly pronounced for early-onset Alzheimer’s, affecting those under 65. Robin Voigt, a co-author of the study, told The Guardian that nighttime light disrupts natural circadian rhythms and impairs sleep, making individuals more vulnerable to the disease. Additionally, “disruption of circadian rhythms is associated with increased risk of diseases that are risk factors for Alzheimer’s including obesity, diabetes, and depression,” the study notes.
Approximately 80% of the global population is exposed to light pollution. Although artificial nighttime lighting is often viewed as benign or even beneficial for safety reasons, recent research has highlighted its negative impacts on both human health and the environment. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the subject and underscores a concern that should be addressed by policymakers.
