Excessive urban light pollution caused by streetlights and neon signs may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, particularly among individuals under 65 years old.
A team from a university medical center analyzed the impact of light pollution on the prevalence of the disease across 48 states in the U.S. The researchers focused on light intensity (brightness) as their primary criterion, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The data collected was compared with information on the cognitive health of the population, recorded in medical records. The researchers paid special attention to factors such as blood pressure, alcohol abuse, depression, and obesity—known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
The analysis revealed that excessive street lighting at night is associated with a higher prevalence of the disease.
Scientists observed that for individuals under 65, excessive light pollution is linked to a greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s than any other factor. This suggests that younger people may be particularly sensitive to the effects of nighttime light exposure.
Dr. Robin Foigt-Zuwala, the lead author of the study, noted, “Nighttime light pollution—a modifiable environmental factor—could be an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.”
According to the researcher, the study’s findings should encourage people to make “simple lifestyle changes.” For instance, they could invest in blackout curtains or use sleep masks.
The conclusions of the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience.