A new study from the researchers of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has found that short-term exposure to air pollution can affect your cognition or mental performance.
However, the study, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, found that these adverse effects of air pollution were reduced in people who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin.
This is probably the first study to explore short-term air pollution exposures and the use of NSAIDs to mitigate their effects, according to Science Daily.
The researchers examined the link between exposures to fine particulate matter and black carbon, and cognitive performance in more than 950 older white males. They also examined whether taking NSAIDs could modify their link.
The team assessed the participants’ cognitive performance using the Global Cognitive Function (GCF) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scales.
Participants who were exposed to elevated average particulate matter exposure over 28 days had low GCF and MMSE scores. Those who took NSAIDs experienced fewer adverse short-term impacts of air pollution exposures on mental health than those who did not.
However, there was no direct link between recent NSAID use and cognitive performance.
The team postulated that NSAIDs, especially aspirin, may reduce neuro-inflammation or changes in blood flow to the brain caused by inhaling pollution.
Senior author Dr. Andrea Baccarelli said, “Despite regulations on emissions, short-term spikes in air pollution remain frequent and have the potential to impair health, including at levels below that usually considered hazardous.”
“Taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs appears to mitigate these effects,” he added, “although policy changes to further restrict air pollution are still warranted.”
In older people, the association between long-term air pollution exposure and impaired cognitive performance is well-established. They report reduced brain volume, cognitive impairment, and dementia development.
Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to poor cognition in children and adults; however, little was known about the effects.
The study researchers said further studies are required to investigate the specific effects of chemical components of air pollution on cognitive performance.
They also said further assessment is needed to understand whether cognitive impairments due to short-term air pollution exposures are transient or persistent. The article was published in Science Daily.
