HEPA air purifiers may boost brain function after just one month

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that using a HEPA air purifier for just one month may lead to a small but significant improvement in brain function among adults aged 40 and older. HEPA purifiers, which stand for high efficiency particulate air, remove particulate matter from the air. Exposure to particulate matter has been linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Researchers analyzed data from 119 participants living in Somerville, Massachusetts, a location known for relatively high traffic-related air pollution. Participants were randomly assigned to use either a HEPA air purifier or a sham air purifier for one month, with a month-long break in between. The sham purifier looked and functioned like the real one but did not contain the air-cleaning filter.

After each month, participants took a mental capacity test measuring their visual memory, motor speed skills, executive function, and mental flexibility. The study found that participants 40 years and older, who made up about 42% of the sample, completed the mental flexibility and executive function section of the test 12% faster after using the HEPA purifier compared to the sham purifier.

While the improvement may seem minor, it is comparable to the cognitive benefits of increasing daily exercise. Preventing cognitive decline is crucial for long-term well-being, as even small decreases can be associated with a higher risk of death. Air pollution can negatively impact mental function after just a few hours of exposure, and research suggests that air purifiers effectively reduce particulate matter.

However, the study highlights the need for further research to determine if the observed improvements in cognitive function are due to the reduction of particulate matter or other factors.