Excessive Light Pollution At Night Linked To Increased Alzheimer’s Risk

American researchers investigated correlations between outside nightly light pollution and Alzheimer’s disease. HUDSON MCDONALD VIA PEXELS.

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Excessive light pollution at night may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease – especially in younger people, warns a new study.

Researchers found that exposure to outdoor light after dark could increase the prevalence of dementia more than many other risk factors for people under 65.

In some places around the world, the lights never go off.

Streetlights and illuminated signs can deter crime and make roads safer.

But scientists say undisrupted light comes with ecological, behavioral, and health consequences.

American researchers investigated correlations between outside nightly light pollution and Alzheimer’s disease.

Study first author Professor Robin Voigt-Zuwala of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said: “We show that in the US, there is a positive association between Alzheimer’s disease 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 for Alzheimer’s.”

The researchers studied light pollution maps of the lower 48 US states and incorporated medical data about variables known or believed to be risk factors for Alzheimer’s in their analysis.

They generated night-time intensity data for every state and divided them into five groups, from lowest to highest night-time light intensity.