Toxic Environmental Factors and their Association with the Development of Dementia: a Mini Review on Heavy Metals and Ambient Particulate Matter

Abstract

Introduction: More and more studies are trying to establish a connection between dementia and environmental pollution. Dementia, most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that is directly associated to aging. Although the etiology of the disease is not fully understood, it is recognized as a multifactorial one. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of various forms of dementia. Both predisposing genes and environmental pollution have been shown to affect brain function through a variety of mechanisms.

Aim: The purpose of this bibliographic work is «ecological consciousness» of modern societies to be awaken, to identify the harmful environmental factors and to highlight their involvement in the causal pathogenesis of the most debated disease, dementia.

Methods: Trying to achieve this aim, the available bibliography was reviewed and selected for further study. In particular, recent bibliographic data and scientific papers were selected, mainly from the last five years. The information was collected using the keywords "environmental pollution", " toxic agents" and "etiology of dementia", with particular emphasis on "Alzheimer's disease". The data were selected mainly from medical research databases. In particular, they were selected by PubMed, BioMed Central and Science Direct.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, long-term exposure of individuals to pollutants may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, we must be cautious in our conclusions, as further reliable studies are needed to confirm the stated evidence. Among other things, health professionals are responsible for promoting health, preventing and encouraging lifestyle change, so that the progressively growing elderly population remains autonomous, healthy and active.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Dementia; air pollution; heavy metals; toxic agents.