Research suggests light pollution may increase Alzheimer's risk, especially in those under 65. Reducing nighttime light exposure could help.

People who live in areas with more nighttime light pollution could be at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly those in middle age, a new study says.

Being exposed to artificial light pollution at night time could increase one's risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, especially for those under age 65, a new study suggests.

Nightly light pollution is more strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease in people 65 and older than other known risk factors like alcohol abuse, kidney disease, depression and obesity, researchers reported Sept. 5 in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience. And light exposure poses an even greater risk to the brains of people younger than 65.

Researchers analyzed the relationship between the prevalence of Alzheimer's and people's exposure to nighttime outdoor artificial light.

Exposure to outdoor nighttime light is associated with the prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD), especially among those aged younger than 65 years, according to a study published online Sept. 6 in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

For adults younger than 65, excessive light pollution increased the risk of Alzheimer’s more strongly than issues like heart disease. Light pollution may contribute to Alzheimer’s risk by disturbing circadian rhythms and interfering with good sleep.

New research show the condition is more prevalent in places like Philadelphia, which has some of the worst light pollution in the U.S. But the causes of the illness are not well understood, and more research is needed.