How air pollution fuels Alzheimer’s and brain disease

A new study confirms a strong link between air pollution and brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and autism. Scientists found that tiny harmful particles in the air do not just affect the lungs and heart but also damage brain cells, leading to memory loss and neurological disorders.

Air pollution contributes to nearly 7 million premature deaths each year. It is widely known to affect the lungs and heart, but research now shows that it can also harm the brain. A chemical reaction called S-nitrosylation, triggered by air pollution, pesticides, and aging, prevents brain cells from forming new connections. Over time, this leads to cell death and contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The study, published in the The study found that blocking S-nitrosylation in a key brain protein could partially reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s mouse models and human nerve cells, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on February 27, 2025.

How air pollution affects brain

Researchers studied how pollution, pesticides, and wildfire smoke trigger a harmful chemical reaction called S-nitrosylation. This reaction interferes with brain cell function, preventing them from forming new connections and eventually causing cell death.

Dr. Stuart Lipton, a clinical neurologist at Scripps Research, first discovered S-nitrosylation over two decades ago. He explains that air pollution increases nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body. When NO binds to proteins, it changes their function, leading to what he calls a "SNO-STORM" in the brain. This storm disrupts brain function, accelerating brain aging and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In Alzheimer’s mouse models, introducing this new version of CRTC1 revived memory-related genes and improved brain connectivity.

“We could nearly completely rescue molecular pathways involved in making new memories,” said Lipton. “It suggests that this is a druggable target that could make a real difference in treating Alzheimer’s and potentially other neurological diseases.”

Key brain proteins at risk

The research focused on a protein called CRTC1, which helps brain cells form connections needed for learning and memory. When exposed to air pollution, CRTC1 could not function properly, stopping these connections from forming.

To counter this, scientists created a modified version of CRTC1 that resisted damage. When tested on human nerve cells from Alzheimer’s patients, the modified protein helped restore brain function.

The findings suggest that targeting S-nitrosylation could lead to new drugs for Alzheimer’s. By stopping the damage caused by pollution, scientists believe they can slow down or even reverse memory loss.

“As we age, our body’s defenses weaken, making proteins more vulnerable to this harmful reaction,” said Dr. Lipton. “But our study shows that we may be able to prevent or even reverse some of these effects.”

This research sheds light on how air pollution speeds up brain aging and increases Alzheimer’s risk. Scientists hope their discovery will lead to effective treatments for millions of people worldwide.

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