Pollution chokehold: How toxic air is quietly damaging brain health
Ludhiana’s skyline has turned hazy again, with smoke from stubble burning mixing with winter fog to form a thick blanket of smog.
For residents, it has become an annual ordeal — watery eyes, coughing fits and breathlessness. But doctors in the city are warning that the impact of the toxic air goes far deeper than the lungs. It is now being recognised as a serious threat to brain health, with rising cases of dementia, strokes and cognitive decline linked to pollution.
Neurologists explain that pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ozone and even heavy metals can penetrate deep into the lungs and seep into the bloodstream. Some particles are so tiny that they cross the blood-brain barrier — the natural shield meant to protect the brain. Once inside, they trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging nerve cells and disrupting communication between brain regions.
Dr Monika, neurologist at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), said the connection between pollution and neurological disorders was becoming clearer with each passing season.
“Air pollution acts like a hidden enemy, it reduces oxygen supply to the brain and inflames nerves, which is dangerous for vulnerable patients. We are seeing dementia and Alzheimer’s patients deteriorate faster during smog season, with memory lapses and confusion becoming more pronounced,” she said.
The nose was another entry point for pollutants. They could travel directly into the brain through the olfactory nerve, leading to local inflammation in regions linked to memory and cognition. Over time, these changes might contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Dr Monika added.
Dr Rajesh, another senior neurologist in Ludhiana, said every day complaints of patients should not be brushed aside. “Patients often complain of fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating during high-pollution days. These are not just minor discomforts — they are signs that the brain is under stress,” he said.
Children in Ludhiana are particularly vulnerable, as exposure to polluted air can delay cognitive development and affect academic performance. Older adults face a greater danger of memory decline, while even healthy middle-aged individuals may experience subtle cognitive fatigue and reduced productivity.
While individuals can take precautions, experts say long-term solutions require strong policy measures. Reducing stubble burning, controlling vehicular emissions and stricter monitoring of air quality are essential to protect citizens.
As Ludhiana breathes through another smoky season, the toxic air may be doing more than choking lungs — it could be quietly damaging brains. Addressing pollution today is not only an environmental duty but also a public health necessity, adds Rupinder Kaur, resident of Bharat Nagar.
Ludhiana