Excessive exposure to light pollution at night has been found to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, particularly for individuals under the age of 65. Research published in Frontiers in Neuroscience revealed a positive association between Alzheimer’s prevalence and exposure to light at night in the United States. The study utilized satellite data to determine average nighttime light intensity between 2012 and 2018 and found that higher intensity of light pollution was linked to a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study authors identified that light pollution had a stronger correlation with Alzheimer’s prevalence than other risk factors in individuals under 65, including chronic kidney disease, alcohol abuse, depression, and obesity. However, for individuals aged 65 and older, risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke showed a stronger correlation with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers noted that while their findings suggest a potential link between nighttime light pollution and Alzheimer’s, further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
It is important to consider both outdoor and indoor nighttime light exposure to determine the impact of light pollution on Alzheimer’s disease. The study authors emphasized that indoor light exposure from devices such as televisions, computers, and phones should also be evaluated in future studies. Additionally, the role of sleep disruption caused by nighttime light pollution may impact the brain’s ability to clear proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid-beta.
In the United States, approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease, with age-related changes in the brain being a significant factor in the development of the condition. While some risk factors for Alzheimer’s cannot be changed, such as age and family history, modifiable risk factors like smoking, alcohol misuse, physical inactivity, poor sleep, and unhealthy diet may contribute to the disease. More research is needed to determine if nighttime light exposure is a definitive risk factor for Alzheimer’s and how it may impact sleep and brain function.
Experts advise implementing lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to light pollution at night, such as using blackout curtains or sleeping with eye masks. While it remains unclear if nighttime light pollution directly contributes to Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining good sleep habits, limiting screen time before bed, and seeking treatment for sleep disorders are important steps in promoting overall health and well-being. The impact of light pollution on Alzheimer’s disease warrants further investigation to better understand the potential risks associated with excessive exposure to artificial light at night.
