Using an in-home High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifier for one month may improve brain function in adults aged 40 and older. Researchers found that participants in this age group performed 12% faster on an executive function test after using a HEPA purifier. This improvement was observed in a study published in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
HEPA purifiers remove particulate matter from the air. Exposure to particulate matter has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. It has also been associated with neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Environmental health researchers recommend HEPA air purifiers to reduce particulate matter exposure.
The study involved 119 individuals between 30 and 74 years old living in Somerville, Massachusetts. This area has high levels of traffic-related air pollution. Participants were divided into two groups. One group used a HEPA air purifier for one month, then a sham purifier for another month. The second group used the purifiers in reverse order. A month-long break separated the two phases.
After each month, participants completed a test measuring mental capacity. The test assessed visual memory, motor speed, executive function, and mental flexibility. The 12% faster performance in executive function and mental flexibility was noted in participants aged 40 and older. This was true even after accounting for factors like time spent indoors or perceived test stress.
This cognitive benefit is comparable to improvements seen from increased daily exercise. Preventing cognitive decline is important for long-term well-being. Even small decreases in cognitive function may correlate with a higher risk of death. Air pollution can affect mental function within hours of exposure.
People living near major roadways experience higher air pollution exposure and related health issues. These risks disproportionately affect people of color and low-income communities. The study suggests HEPA air purifiers could offer meaningful health benefits in these circumstances. Future research will investigate whether air purifiers protect the brain's white matter and reverse cognitive decline.
Related stories
Dreaming May Deplete Brain Energy Despite Increased Fuel Supply
New research indicates that dreaming during REM sleep may consume significant brain energy, with neuronal energy levels dropping despite an increase in the brain's fuel supply.
Tirzepatide May Activate Calorie-Burning Brown Fat
A mouse study suggests tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, may activate calorie-burning brown fat, offering a new understanding of its metabolic benefits.
ADHD and Autism Diagnoses Show Shifting Demographics in Denmark
A large Danish study found that children diagnosed with ADHD or autism now more closely resemble the general population, suggesting broader identification rather than only an increase in underlying conditions.