February 6, 2026

@michaelokun

Is dirty air accelerating ALS and motor neuron disease? Particulate matter refers to tiny air pollution particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering inflammation and injury in the brain and nervous system. Elser and Goslinga describe in a new Viewpoint in JAMA Neurology how long-term exposure to air pollution may influence the risk, progression and survival in motor neuron diseases including ALS. Key Points: - Higher long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and nitrogen dioxide was linked to increased risk of motor neuron disease. - Long term particulate exposure was associated w/ faster disease progression, based on functional rating scales. - Certain pollutants were linked to a higher risk of death or a need for invasive ventilation. My take: This study strengthens the case that environment matters in neurodegeneration. Genetics may load the gun but there is much more to the study, especially in folks w/o single monogenetic causes. Exposures and brain resilience are likely a very important part of the story. The data also push us beyond risk and into progression, which is where families are urgently looking for answers. Here are 5 points that resonated w/ me: 1- Motor neuron disease risk is not only about genes, long term environmental exposures play a meaningful role. 2- Air pollution may not just increase risk, it may accelerate decline after diagnosis. 3- Different particle sizes and sources likely matter, and we still do not fully understand which sources are most toxic. 4- Vulnerable folks and communities may be disproportionately affected, raising environmental justice concerns. 5- Reducing air pollution could one day become a modifiable strategy to slow progression while we wait for better disease modifying therapies. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2843890 #fixelinstitute #parkinson #als #michaelokun #parkinson