A STUDY examining over 600,000 adults has found a significant link between childhood exposure to environmental lead and memory problems in older age. The research, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025, reveals that individuals who grew up in areas with high levels of atmospheric lead between 1960 and 1974 have a 20% greater likelihood of experiencing memory issues in their later years.
Researchers discovered that atmospheric lead levels during this period, primarily due to leaded gasoline, left a lasting imprint on brain health. Adults who lived in areas with moderate to extremely high historical lead pollution were more likely to report memory problems 50 years later. This study, the first of its kind, provides strong evidence that early-life lead exposure could contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
The research team, led by Eric Brown of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, found that between 17% and 22% of individuals from high-lead exposure areas reported memory issues. By correlating historical data on atmospheric lead levels with self-reported memory problems from the American Community Survey, the study underscores the long-term effects of lead exposure on cognitive health.
This work builds on previous findings, suggesting that lead exposure, even at lower levels, can cause lasting damage to brain cells. As the study shows, the impact of lead on brain function may be more profound than previously thought, leaving individuals more vulnerable to age-related cognitive diseases. While the phase-out of leaded gasoline has significantly reduced environmental lead levels, this research highlights the ongoing health risks posed by other sources of lead exposure, including lead-based paints and contaminated water.
The findings may also help guide future preventive measures, particularly for those living near lead-releasing facilities. In addition to reducing exposure to environmental lead, public health strategies should focus on managing other dementia risk factors, such as high blood pressure and smoking.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Association (AAIC) International Conference. Decades-Old Lead Pollution Linked to Memory Problems in Older Adults, Study Finds. 27 July 2025. Available at: https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2025/lead-exposure-memory-problems-brain-damage.asp. Last accessed: 28 July 2025.
