Disease could be linked to tiny particles from diesel engine fumes, study says
Break pads in cars and trains may also be linked to the degenerative disease
ALZHEIMER'S could be caused by diesel engine fumes, a new study suggests.
Research conducted on people from Manchester and Mexico City found that the degenerative disease could actually be caused by tiny particles emitted.
If this is further proved, it could challenge the previously accepted theory that the particles which cause the illness are produced in the body.
These particles form lumps of protein which create blockages in the brain of Alzheimer's sufferers.
Alzheimer's leads to the loss of brain tissue, the death of nerve cells and causes a shortage of vital brain chemicals.
The degenerative disease affects more than 520,000 people in the UK.
Globally governments have been pushing drivers to buy diesel powered vehicles to combat problems caused by greenhouse gases.
However, this new study could show that these vehicles have caused other health problems.
A team from Lancaster University said that the particles which could be causing health risks could be reaching the brain through the olfactory nerve in the nose.
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Officials at the Alzheimer's Society have welcomed the research but have warned that it is too early to conclude that these particles may have links between diesel engine fumes and the disease.
Dr Clare Walton, research manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: "This study offers convincing evidence that magnetite from air pollution can get into the brain, but it doesn’t tell us what effect this has on brain health or conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
"The causes of dementia are complex and so far there hasn’t been enough research to say whether living in cities and polluted areas raises the risk of dementia.
"Further work in this area is important, but until we have more information people should not be unduly worried.
"There are more practical ways to lower your chances of developing dementia such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking."
The findings of the study on 37 brains of people who died between three and 92 years old are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.
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