Editorial: Environmental clues to brain disease
Imagine your brain is like a garden, and the environment is the soil in which it grows. Scientists are now examining how certain environmental factors can influence the development of brain diseases. By analyzing data from various research studies, they have identified several clues that suggest a link between environmental exposures and the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. These clues include air pollution, heavy metal exposure, and pesticide use, among others. Just as different conditions affect how plants thrive in a garden, these environmental factors can impact the healthy functioning of our brains. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these connections, this growing body of evidence highlights the importance of creating clean and safe environments to promote brain health. If you’re curious to learn more about how the environment can impact brain disease, be sure to explore the underlying research!

Aiyana is an Indigenous educator from Alberta, with a background in environmental science and community wellness programs. She volunteers as an author to explore how traditional knowledge intersects with modern neuroscience to unlock human resilience and potential.