Recent studies increasingly suggest that light pollution—particularly excessive exposure to artificial light at night—may be linked to a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The human circadian rhythm (biological clock), which regulates sleep, hormone secretion, and cognitive function, relies on natural light-dark cycles. However, persistent nighttime lighting in urban environments disrupts this rhythm and suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin not only promotes sleep but also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties crucial for brain health.A 2022 study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals chronically exposed to high levels of nighttime light showed significantly greater cognitive decline and higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies further reveal that constant light exposure leads to Alzheimer’s-like pathological changes in mice, including increased accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques.Experts recommend reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting, using blackout curtains, and avoiding screen use before bedtime to support healthy circadian rhythms, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative conditions. While light pollution cannot yet be definitively identified as a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, it is emerging as a significant environmental risk factor that warrants public awareness and policy attention.
近年来，越来越多的研究表明，光污染——尤其是夜间人工光源的过度暴露——可能与阿尔兹海默症等神经退行性疾病的风险增加有关。人体的昼夜节律（生物钟）依赖于自然光照周期来调节睡眠、激素分泌和认知功能。然而，城市中持续存在的夜间照明会干扰这一节律，抑制褪黑激素的分泌。褪黑激素不仅有助于睡眠，还具有抗氧化和抗炎作用，对大脑健康至关重要。2022年一项发表于《美国医学会神经病学杂志》的研究发现，在长期暴露于高水平夜间光照的人群中，认知能力下降和阿尔兹海默症发病率显著升高。动物实验也显示，持续光照环境会导致小鼠出现类似阿尔兹海默症的病理变化，如β-淀粉样蛋白沉积增加。专家建议，减少夜间不必要的照明、使用遮光窗帘、避免睡前使用电子设备，有助于维持健康的昼夜节律，从而可能降低神经退行性疾病的风险。虽然目前尚不能断言光污染直接导致阿尔兹海默症，但其作为潜在环境风险因素，值得公众和政策制定者高度重视。
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