{"id":10425,"date":"2016-12-01T07:00:23","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T13:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=10425"},"modified":"2020-10-14T09:03:41","modified_gmt":"2020-10-14T14:03:41","slug":"is-there-a-connection-between-dementia-and-dirty-air","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2016\/12\/is-there-a-connection-between-dementia-and-dirty-air\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There A Connection Between Dementia and Dirty Air?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is There A Connection Between Dementia and \"Is<\/a>Dirty Air?<\/h1>\n

A silent buildup of tiny magnets in the brain sounds like science fiction, but researchers say it\u2019s reality for adults who live in cities, thanks to air pollution. Now, they\u2019re trying to find out if high levels of magnetite, a particle found in dirty air, can cause Alzheimer\u2019s. They\u2019re concerned because Alzheimer\u2019s patients also have lots of magnetite in their brains<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s not yet clear if elevated brain magnetite levels are a cause or an effect of dementia, but magnetite is hardly the only air pollutant, and there\u2019s no question that cleaner air is better for your health. Here are some tips for clearing the air for yourself and your parents.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye on local air quality<\/h2>\n

Local industries, pollen, dust storms, and wildfires can create health hazards for seniors, especially those with allergies, asthma, and lung diseases. Most local weather forecasts now include information on daily air quality, including the types and amounts of pollutants such as ozone and dust. You can also visit the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s real-time national air quality map at AirNow<\/a><\/strong>, enter your zip code or your parents\u2019, and see local air quality and tomorrow\u2019s forecast.<\/p>\n

When the pollutants and pollen are high, it may be best to stay indoors or at least avoid exercising outdoors. You may be tempted to put on a mask and get on with outdoor activities despite the dirty air, but health experts warn that thick, tight-fitting\u00a0masks that can filter out pollution particles<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0may also make it harder to breathe.<\/p>\n

Clean the air indoors<\/h2>\n

Of course, staying indoors is only helpful if the air inside your home or senior community is clean, and that\u2019s not always the case. The American Lung Association says air inside homes can be even dirtier than outdoor air. Everything from pet dander and cleaning solutions to radon and lead dust can contaminate indoor air.<\/p>\n

To clean indoor air:<\/p>\n