Outdoor nighttime light exposure (light pollution) is associated with Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence has increased in the last century which can be attributed to increased lifespan, but environment is also important. Exposure to artificial light at night is one environmental factor that may influence AD.

Methods

This study evaluated the relationship between outdoor nighttime light exposure and AD prevalence in the United States using satellite acquired outdoor nighttime light intensity and Medicare data.

Results

Higher outdoor nighttime light was associated with higher prevalence of AD. While atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and stroke were associated more strongly with AD prevalence than nighttime light intensity, nighttime light was more strongly associated with AD prevalence than alcohol

SUBMITTER: Voigt RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11412842 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature