According to a new scientific research polluted air can cause a decrease in brain volume, and increase the risk of damage.
The study lasted 10 years, and included 940 people older than 60 years who lived in areas with less air pollution. MRI is used to determine the effects of long exposure to polluted air particles in their brain structure.
It is the air particles coming from the exhaust pipes of cars, burning wood or coal, and other sources.
The results were astounding.
Those who lived in heavily contaminated areas were monitored through 10 years and a reduction of the brain volume by 0.3 percent for every 2 milligrams per cubic meter of contaminated particles (mg / m3) was discovered and 46% increased risk of getting a silent stroke.
The researchers add that the reduction in brain volume is comparable to one year of aging of the brain, and long-term exposure can cause neurological problems, especially dementia, stroke and also depressive disorders.
