Global Study: Environment and Social Factors Speed Up Brain Aging

Air Pollution and Poverty Linked to Faster Brain Aging, Study Finds

New York: A recent international study has found that environmental and social factors, including air pollution, poverty and limited access to green spaces, play a major role in accelerating brain aging, with an impact comparable to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed data from more than 18,000 individuals across 34 countries, highlighting the concept of the “exposome,” which refers to the cumulative environmental, social and political exposures experienced throughout a person’s life.

The findings indicate that these factors interact with one another, amplifying their overall effect on brain health.

According to the study, environmental influences such as air pollution, rising temperatures and reduced access to green areas are associated with structural changes in brain regions linked to memory and emotional regulation. These changes are driven by biological processes including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

The study also found that social factors, such as poverty, inequality and weak social support networks, have a direct impact on cognitive and social brain functions, largely due to prolonged exposure to stress.

Researchers noted that these effects are observed in both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions, stressing that focusing solely on individual lifestyle changes is not sufficient to reduce the risks of brain aging.

The study called for comprehensive policies aimed at improving environmental and social conditions, including reducing pollution, expanding green spaces and strengthening cooperation between health, environmental and social sectors to support long-term brain health.