Alzheimer’s disease: the role of extrinsic factors in its development, an investigation of the environmental enigma

Abstract

In the realm of Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, the impact of environmental factors has ignited intense curiosity due to its substantial burden on global health. Recent investigations have unveiled these environmental factors as key contributors, shedding new light on their profound influence. Notably, emerging evidence highlights the detrimental role of various environmental contaminants in the incidence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These contaminants encompass a broad spectrum, including air pollutants laden with ozone, neurotoxic metals like lead, aluminum, manganese, and cadmium, pesticides with their insidious effects, and the ubiquitous presence of plastics and microplastics. By meticulously delving into the intricate web connecting environmental pollutants and this devastating neurological disorder, this comprehensive chapter takes a deep dive into their involvement as significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it explores the underlying molecular mechanisms through which these contaminants exert their influence, aiming to unravel the complex interactions that drive the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, this chapter proposes potential strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of these environmental contaminants on brain health, with the ultimate goal of restoring and preserving typical cognitive function. Through this comprehensive exploration, we aim to enhance our understanding of the multifaceted relationship between neurotoxins and Alzheimer’s disease, providing a solid foundation for developing innovative in-vivo models and advancing our knowledge of the intricate pathological processes underlying this debilitating condition.

The Indiscriminate Use of Pesticides could Increase the Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease? A Systematic Review

“…Environmental factors can play a crucial role in slowing down or accelerating the progression of AD [38], with prolonged exposure to various heavy metals such as aluminum, lead, and mercury; pesticides; and metal-containing nanoparticles standing out as particularly significant [53,69,70].…”

Targeting beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles: a proteomic approach towards Alzheimer’s disease therapy

“…diseases, characterized by disruptions in regular electrical impulses within the brain or nervous system, pose significant challenges to global health. Among these, Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant and growing public health concern worldwide, particularly among the aging population [1]. As the most common form of dementia, AD poses substantial challenges to both affected individuals and healthcare systems, significantly impacting quality of life and imposing a significant socioeconomic burden [2].…”

Investigating the Potential Impact of Air Pollution on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Utility of Multidimensional Imaging for Early Detection

“…Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes a decline in cognitive function in children, while neuropathological AD is seen in infants whose incidence and prevalence increase with age. − The risk of Alzheimer’s is due to several genetic factors such as age, apolipoprotein E (APOE) 34 alleles, metabolism, and nongenetic factors such as education, environmental factors, oxidative stress, lifestyle modifications, and sex. − The importance in identifying the epidemiology and discovery of Alzheimer’s lies in specific changes of pathology like senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles . Air pollution affecting CNS-related Alzheimer’s is reported from various clinical, epidemiological, experimental, and observational studies .…”