You can't avoid it... If there's a lot of exposure to 'this,' even young people are at risk of Alzheimer's.

Research findings suggest that prolonged and frequent exposure to light may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease even in young people.

Large cities like Seoul never turn off their lights throughout the night. Streetlights, road lighting, and signs make the roads safe and prevent accidents. However, individuals who are frequently and continuously exposed to light may experience adverse health effects. Previous research findings indicate that light pollution influences the development of various metabolic and mental disorders.

The research team in Rushdae, United States, conducted a study to investigate the correlation between light pollution and Alzheimer's disease. They analyzed light pollution maps and medical data from 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, covering the years 2012 to 2018. Light pollution was classified into five levels based on severity, and the medical data focused on the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer's, alcohol addiction, metabolic disorders, and mental illnesses.

The analysis results showed that the causes of Alzheimer's disease vary according to age, with a notable difference starting at age 65. For the elderly over 65, frequent alcohol consumption, chronic kidney disease, depression, and obesity were identified as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Although the incidence of Alzheimer's disease was higher among the elderly living in areas with severe light pollution compared to those in less affected areas, the difference was not statistically significant.

Meanwhile, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in those under 65 was mainly found to be associated with light pollution. Areas with high light pollution were found to have more young Alzheimer's patients compared to other areas.

In this study, light pollution was also found to increase the risk of not only Alzheimer's disease but also alcohol addiction, kidney failure, depression, heart failure, and obesity. It was not significantly associated with arteriosclerosis, diabetes, or stroke.

The research team hypothesized that young people are more vulnerable to light pollution because they are more active at night. They also stated that changing one's lifestyle is necessary for a healthy life.

Professor Boite-Juara, the author of the study, stated, "Among nighttime lighting that causes light pollution, blue light has the most detrimental effect on health," and "Using filters that block blue light and minimizing light pollution indoors can help maintain health." Blue light, also called blue ray, is emitted heavily from electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.

<Source: Health Chosun>