JAMA Neurol

Air pollution exposure tied to higher motor neuron disease risk, worse outcomes

January 23, 2026

A population-based Swedish case-control study of 1,463 patients with motor neuron disease (MND) found that higher long-term exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, PM_2.5–10, and NO₂ was associated with increased MND risk. Over a 10-year exposure window, each interquartile-range increase corresponded to odds ratios of 1.21 to 1.30 across pollutant types. Elevated PM₁₀ and NO₂ levels were also associated with higher mortality risk, while higher exposure to all particulate fractions was associated with faster decline on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, particularly in motor and respiratory domains. Findings suggest that even low-level ambient air pollution may influence both MND development and prognosis.

Clinical takeaway: Consider long-term environmental exposures—especially particulate matter and NO₂—when evaluating MND risk and counseling on disease trajectory.

Source:

Wu J, et al. (2026, January 20). JAMA Neurol. Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Risk and Prognosis of Motor Neuron Disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557441/