PM2.5 Air Pollution Directly Increases Alzheimer’s Risk

TL;DR: A massive study of 27.8 million Medicare beneficiaries found that exposure to fine air pollution (PM2.5) increases Alzheimer’s risk by 8.5% per unit increase—and this effect operates largely through direct brain damage, not through common health conditions like stroke or depression. The conventional thinking about air pollution and dementia involves a detour through the …

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Ethylene Oxide Levels Increase Stroke Risk in Young Adults in the U.S. (2024 Study)

Higher ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke in U.S. adults, particularly those under 50 years old. Highlights: Higher levels of EtO are linked to increased stroke rates, with individuals in the top 25% of exposure showing a stroke prevalence 1.6 times higher than those in the bottom 25%. …

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Low Vitamin D Increases Stroke Risk & Worsens Post-Stroke Prognosis (2024 Meta-Analysis)

TLDR: Lower serum vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke, and are linked to poorer stroke outcomes. Highlights: The meta-analysis included 27 studies with 45,302 participants, finding a combined relative risk (RR) of 1.28 for stroke risk associated with low vitamin D levels. A lower level of serum …

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Ultraprocessed Foods & Health Risks: Dangers of Junk Food (Study)

Eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, depression, and early death, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Key Facts: Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in labs. Examples include chips, soft drinks, instant noodles, chicken nuggets, and frozen …

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