‘Noise pollution increases the risk of dementia,’ says World Alzheimer’s Day.

According to doctors, constant exposure to noise pollution may increase the risk of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, whereas music may have a positive impact.

According to a recent study published in international health journals all over the world, constant exposure to traffic noise raises the risk of dementia among the elderly.

Every year on September 21, the world commemorates World Alzheimer’s Day, and Alzheimer’s disease has been identified as the leading cause of dementia.

Doctors say that as India rapidly approaches becoming the world’s most populous country, and with improved healthcare delivery mechanisms, the country’s elderly population is on the rise. This segment of society is at risk of developing age-related complications such as dementia, which is frequently regarded as a serious mental problem caused by brain disease or injury that impairs the ability to think, remember, and behave normally.

According to Sritheja Reddy, Consultant Neurologist, Gleneagles Global Hospital, music usually has a soothing effect on people of all ages, but loud and persistent noise can cause mental disturbance and even trigger experiences of ill-being in people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

“Cities are usually bustling with activity during the day and at night, but this can increase exposure to excessive noise, which can lead to short-term impairments in cognitive function, particularly the ability to focus and remember. The most important point to note here is that chronic noise pollution may increase the risk of dementia “The doctor stated.

According to Abhinay M. Huchche, Consultant Neurologist at SLG Hospitals, “musical sounds may have a positive impact on people suffering from dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.”

People with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can benefit emotionally and behaviorally from listening to or singing songs. Musical memories are frequently preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas associated with musical memory are relatively unaffected by the disease,” he adds.

Changala Praveen, Consultant – Neuro physician, Aware Gleneagles Global Hospital, stated that elderly patients require special attention, and those suffering from dementia require proper evaluation and management of the disease through a multidisciplinary approach.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and there are numerous reasons why the elderly population develops this condition. Constant exposure to loud and unpleasant sounds, such as traffic noise, is also a major cause of dementia in older people. People who have elderly family members in their homes must ensure that the elderly are protected from loud noises, as this is the best way to prevent complications “He stated.

High levels of noise exposure during the night are especially concerning, as sleep is a critical period for mental and cognitive restoration. Fragmented sleep caused by noise disturbance is associated with increased oxidative stress, which causes immune system changes and increased systemic inflammation.

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