Syed Muhammad Fitrus Ali

• Outdoor air pollution as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review
• MBBS (NUMED Malaysia)

Exposure to outdoor air pollutants could harm brain health. We conducted a systematic review to examine the impact of prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollution on the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and screened four main databases: Scopus, CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE (via Ovid). In total 262 articles were screened of which 10 were included. White and grey matter changes are considered key biomarkers of AD. Exposure to air pollutants, particularly PM2.5, led to a reduction in white matter volume in key brain regions linked to AD. This was associated with a decline in episodic memory and cognitive functions. Four studies showed a decrease in grey matter volume due to air pollutant exposure, while one study reported an increase. This review demonstrates air pollution as a risk factor for AD and suggests future research on grey matter changes.

Funded by: Newcastle University Research Scholarship

Project Supervisors: Professor Sarah Slight, Dr Nehal Hassan and Ms Sarah Wilson