Health

Pollution could raise risk of declined brain function

By WEEK Producer
By NBC News

Pollution could raise risk of declined brain function

November 16, 2012 Updated Nov 16, 2012 at 1:52 PM CDT

LOS ANGELES -- Too much air pollution may make your head foggy.

Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed data on nearly 15,000 older adults.

Those living in areas with high levels of fine air particulate matter did worse on tests of cognitive function and memory.

Air pollution has already been linked to heart and lung problems. This is the first large-scale study to show an association with brain function.

This study is from researchers at the University of Southern California, and is being presented at the Gerontological Society of America's annual meeting.

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.