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Source– This post on Night-time Light Pollution Linked to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk is based on the article “Night time light pollution linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk: what a new study says” published in “Indian Express on 7th September 2024.
Why in the News?
A recent study from researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center has found a possible link between night-time light pollution and an increased risk of Alzheimer disease. Researchers used satellite data to measure light pollution in the U.S. and compared it with publicly available Medicare data on Alzheimer prevalence.
About the study
1. Previous studies have identified various contributing factors to Alzheimer, such as genetics, medical conditions (like diabetes), and environmental stresses.
2. The new study adds light pollution as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer, particularly exposure to artificial lights at night.
Key Findings:
1. The study found that night-time light exposure correlated with a higher prevalence of Alzheimer, especially early-onset cases (people under 65).
2. While conditions like diabetes and hypertension were stronger predictors of Alzheimer, light pollution had a greater association than risk factors like alcohol abuse, depression, obesity, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Why Does Light Pollution Matter?
1. Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep cycles.
2. Poor sleep and circadian rhythm disruption are linked to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression. These conditions also increase the risk of Alzheimer.
About Alzheimer Disease
1. Alzheimer is a condition that leads to the loss of cognitive functioning, such as memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
2. The disease is characterized by the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to accelerated aging of memory-related neurons.
3. Symptoms include forgetfulness in early stages, confusion, difficulty completing everyday tasks, and, eventually, severe memory loss.
4. There is no cure for Alzheimer, but some drugs may slow cognitive decline.
5. Global Impact of Alzheimer: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 55 million people globally suffer from dementia, with Alzheimer accounting for 75% of these cases.
6. Status in India: In India alone, between 3 to 9 million people are believed to have Alzheimer, a number expected to rise as the population ages.
Read more: Donanemab Antibody to fight Alzheimer
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
