HEPA空气净化器一个月内可能改善认知功能

一项发表在《科学报告》上的研究发现，在家中使用HEPA空气净化器一个月后，40岁及以上的成年人在执行功能测试中的表现平均快12%。1这项随机交叉对照试验对119名住在马萨诸塞州萨默维尔的30至74岁参与者进行了测试，该地区靠近州际93号和28号公路，交通污染较为严重。1参与者被随机分配到两组，一组先使用真实净化器再使用假净化器，另一组顺序相反，每个阶段间隔一个月。1

研究人员指出，仅40岁及以上的参与者（约占样本的42%）显示出显著改善，而这12%的改善幅度相当于增加日常运动带来的认知益处。1研究结果表明清洁室内空气可能有助于保护大脑免受交通污染的影响。1研究团队表示将进一步调查是否减少颗粒物能保护大脑白质，以及这一改善是否能逆转某些认知衰退。1

A randomized crossover controlled trial published in Scientific Reports has found that adults aged 40 and over who used HEPA air purifiers in their homes for one month showed an average 12% improvement in performance on executive function tests compared to their results when using placebo purifiers.1 The study involved 119 participants aged 30–74 living in Somerville, Massachusetts, a location near Interstate 93 and Route 28, and examined whether cleaner indoor air could help protect cognitive function from the effects of traffic pollution.1

The research employed a randomized design in which participants were assigned to one of two groups: one group used a genuine HEPA purifier first followed by a placebo unit after a one-month interval, while the other group experienced the reverse sequence.1 The significant cognitive improvements were observed specifically among participants aged 40 and older, who comprised approximately 42% of the sample.1 The 12% enhancement in executive function and mental flexibility speed was comparable to the cognitive benefits associated with increased daily physical activity, according to the researchers.1

The research team plans to conduct further investigations to determine whether reducing particulate matter can protect brain white matter and whether such interventions might reverse certain forms of cognitive decline.1