Background

Alzheimer's disease is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial disorder influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Growing evidence suggests that air pollution, extreme heat, urban noise, and limited access to green spaces may contribute to cognitive decline through pathways involving neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction. As climate change intensifies these exposures, understanding their implications for brain health becomes increasingly important.

Methods

A narrative conceptual review was conducted to examine relationships among environmental exposures, climate-related factors, and dementia risk. Evidence was synthesized from epidemiological, experimental, mechanistic, and public health literature addressing air pollution, heat stress, urban environmental factors, cardiometabolic health, and neurodegenerative pathways. Findings were integrated into a conceptual framework linking carbon reduction strategies with potential mechanisms relevant to Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Results and Discussion

Although direct evidence linking carbon reduction programs to dementia outcomes is currently limited, existing mechanistic and epidemiological data suggest that climate mitigation strategies may provide important co-benefits for brain health and dementia prevention.

Conclusions

Environmental exposures are increasingly recognized as modifiable contributors to dementia risk. Carbon reduction initiatives may reduce exposures linked to neuroinflammation, vascular dysfunction, and metabolic stress. Integrating climate policy and public health strategies could support long-term reductions in the global burden of Alzheimer's disease.

References

1. Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet Standing Commission. Lancet. 2024;404(10452):572–628.
2. Zuelsdorff M, Limaye VS. A framework for assessing the effects of climate change on dementia risk and burden. Gerontologist. 2024;64(3).
3. Peters R, Ee N, Peters J, Booth A, Mudway I, Anstey KJ. Air pollution and dementia: a systematic review. J Alzheimers Dis. 2019;70(S1):S145–S163.