Exposure to outdoor light at night may put people at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (EA), according to a new study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
“We show that in the U.S., there is a positive association between Alzheimer's disease prevalence and nighttime light exposure, particularly in people younger than 65 years,” said first author Dr. Robin Voigt-Zuwala, an associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, in a news release.
“Nighttime light pollution: a modifiable problem” environmental factor – may be an important risk factor for AD.”
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Some common sources of artificial light include streetlights, vehicles, illuminated signs, office buildings, and other illuminated structures.
Exposure to outdoor light at night may put people at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. (iStock)
In the study, researchers analyzed maps of light pollution from across the country and ranked the “nighttime intensity data” for each state. They then analyzed the corresponding levels of Alzheimer's disease.
For the people 65 years and olderLight pollution was a bigger risk factor than obesity, depression, alcohol abuse and chronic kidney disease, the researchers found.
However, other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, outweighed the risk of light pollution for that age group.
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However, those under 65 appeared to be more sensitive to exposure to nighttime lighting, which increased their risk of Alzheimer's more than any other risk factor.
“Certain genotypes, which influence the early onset of Alzheimer's disease, affect the response to biological stressors, which could explain the increased vulnerability to the effects of nighttime light exposure,” Voigt-Zuwala said in the statement.
Previous studies have shown that light pollution increases by around 10% each year, causing the night sky to become brighter and affecting approximately 80% of the world's population. (iStock)
“Additionally, younger people are more likely to live in urban areas and have lifestyles that may increase light exposure at night.”
Risks of light pollution
Previous studies have shown that light pollution increases by around 10% each year, causing the night sky to become brighter and affecting approximately 80% of the world's population.
Light pollution has been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms and reduce the production of the hormone melatonin, which can lead to Sleep problems.
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Lack of sleep, in turn, is a proven risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that sleeping just five hours a night may increase the risk of dementia by 30% in people aged 50 or older.
Among adults who have sleep-related movement disorders, the odds of developing dementia are nearly four times higher, the same study found.
“Constant exposure to light disrupts the circadian rhythm and limits the amount of time the brain spends in the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep.”
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a Certified Neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study but spoke to Fox News Digital about environmental factors that may affect the prevalence of dementias like Alzheimer's.
“We have known for a long time that a lack of quality sleep has detrimental effects health effectsand this includes an increased risk of developing cognitive difficulties later in life,” he said.
Researchers analyzed maps of light pollution from around the country and ranked the “nighttime intensity data” for each state. They then analyzed the corresponding levels of Alzheimer's disease. (iStock)
The brain relies on a circadian rhythm to recover during sleep, the doctor continued.
“Constant exposure to light disrupts this circadian rhythm and limits the amount of time the brain is in the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep,” Murray said.
Ways to reduce light exposure
Based on the results, the researchers recommend that people take steps to reduce their exposure to light pollution.
“Awareness of the association should empower people, particularly those with risk factors for AD, to take action more easily.” lifestyle changes“Voigt-Zuwala said.
“Easy changes to implement include using blackout curtains or using sleep masks,” the researchers said. “This is especially helpful for those living in areas with high light pollution.” (iStock)
“Changes that can be easily implemented include using blackout curtains or using sleep masks. This is especially helpful for those living in areas with high light pollution.”
Although the study only looked at outdoor light exposure, the researchers also suggested making changes indoors, such as installing dimmer switches, using blue light filters and switching to warm light bulbs instead of cool ones.
Some have pushed for regulations to control exposure to outdoor lighting.
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“Light pollution legislation is often very weak and/or poorly implemented,” Dr. Fabio Falchi, a researcher at the Institute of Science and Technology of Light Pollution in Italy, told Fox News Digital.
“It's time to start Setting limits “Also on this pollutant, as is the case with other common pollutants.”
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The researchers acknowledged that the study had some limitations.
The data was obtained from a subset of the U.S. population, they said, and individual results may vary depending on how long someone has lived in an area with high light exposure.
“It can be clearly deduced that exposure to constant light from devices can lead to cognitive problems later in life,” a neurologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“The study only looked at outdoor light pollution and did not include any data on indoor light pollution, such as that from cell phones or televisions,” Murray said.
“However, it is clear that exposure to constant light from devices can lead to cognitive problems later in life, reinforcing the importance of limiting exposure to nighttime light from mobile phones and other devices.”
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The researchers asked More studies on the association between light pollution and Alzheimer's.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study's authors for comment.
