(TheProudRepublic.com) – A shocking study by a group of researchers revealed that exposure to bright lights at night might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, particularly for younger people, more than other risk factors.
Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center associate professor Robin Voigt-Zuwala stated, “We show that in the US there is a positive association between [Alzheimer’s] prevalence and exposure to light at night, particularly in those under the age of 65.”
“Nightly light pollution — a modifiable environmental factor — may be an important risk factor,” she continued.
Voigt-Zuwala’s team analyzed maps showing light pollution from sources like streetlights, roadway lighting, and illuminated signs, dividing the lower 48 states into five groups based on nighttime light intensity.
In turn, artificial light at night can disrupt sleep by messing with the body’s 24-hour biological clock. Poor sleep and insomnia are linked to cognitive decline.
For older adults, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s had a stronger connection to light pollution than to risk factors like alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, depression, and obesity.
However, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke were still more significant than light pollution for this age group.
For those under 65, higher nighttime light intensity was more strongly linked to Alzheimer’s than any other risk factor examined in the study.
While researchers are not certain why younger people might be particularly vulnerable to nighttime light’s effects, they speculate that genetic factors could play a role.
They also said that it could be because younger people are more likely to live in urban areas and have lifestyles that expose them to more outside light.
The study authors also suggested using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out harmful light.
Although the study did not focus on indoor light, the researchers warn that blue light, like that from digital devices, has the most significant impact on sleep. They recommended using blue light filters, switching to warm light bulbs, and installing dimmers at home.
Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form.
This study follows recent research suggesting that where people live could influence their odds of getting a dementia diagnosis due to differences in healthcare access.
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