Evidence mounts for Alzheimer’s, suicide risks among youth in polluted cities

A new study reveals increased risks for Alzheimer’s and suicide among children and young adults living in polluted megacities. Dr. Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas said her group studied 203 autopsies of Mexico City residents ranging in age from 11 months to 40 years.
Metropolitan Mexico City is home to 24 million people exposed daily to concentrations of fine particulate matter and ozone above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Alzheimer’s disease hallmarks start in childhood in polluted environments, and we must implement effective preventative measures early. Researchers found hallmarks of the disease among 99.5 percent of the subjects they examined in Mexico City. Overall, the authors have documented an accelerated and early disease process for Alzheimer’s in highly exposed Mexico City residents.”Defining pediatric environmental, nutritional, metabolic and genetic risk-factor interactions are key to preventing Alzheimer’s disease.”
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