Light pollution at night may increase risk of Alzheimer’s, study finds

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/06/light-pollution-alzheimers-study

Research says outdoor light exposure in evening increases prevalence of the disease, especially in people under age 65

Light pollution at night may increase risk of Alzheimer’s, study finds

New research claims that exposure to outdoor light at night may increase the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in people under the age of 65.

The researchers who conducted the study, funded by a National Institutes of Health grant and published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience on Friday, said they have found correlations between areas of the US with excessive exposure to artificial light at night and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease.

In the US, at least 19 states have legislation in place aimed at reducing light pollution, but the authors of the study say that despite this, the “levels of light at night remain high in many parts of the country”.

2 comments

gibmiser

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Proximity to light most likely means proximity to society and all the byproducts of civilization. If it turns out lights at night cause alzheimers I'd be stunned.

Please_Do_Not

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Poor sleep consistency/quality and interrupted circadian rhythms have already been found to be associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's, so artificial light could definitely be contributing to a previously identified risk factor. I am sure there are other variables at play that are associated with light sources, too, but it is definitely possible/even likely that the light itself is an issue.