Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been reported to spread in air, water, and soil in the United States and research has found that TCE, when inhaled or ingested, can cross the blood–brain barrier and damage neurons.
October 06, 2025
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Describes environmental distribution and neurotoxic potential of TCE as reported by environmental and biomedical research.
A 2025 University of Pennsylvania study found that higher exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the year before death was associated with 19% higher odds of having more severe Alzheimer's-type brain changes.
January 01, 2025
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Association derived from postmortem brain examinations linking recent PM2.5 exposure to Alzheimer's-type pathology.
A 2025 University of Pennsylvania study estimated that approximately 63% of the association between PM2.5 exposure and dementia severity was explained (mediated) by Alzheimer's-related brain pathology.
January 01, 2025
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Quantifies the portion of the air pollution–dementia severity link attributable to Alzheimer's-type brain changes.
A 2025 University of Pennsylvania study reported that among 287 individuals who had dementia assessments before death, higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with greater cognitive and functional decline, including memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty with personal care and speech.
January 01, 2025
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Subgroup analysis linking higher recent PM2.5 exposure to worsened cognitive and daily-function outcomes in individuals with pre-death dementia assessments.