In addition, air pollution exposure has been associated with increased expression of markers of neurodegenerative disease pathologies, such as alpha-synuclein or beta-amyloid, and may thus contribute to the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Dementia and Cognitive Function. Exposure to contaminated external air is considered an environmental risk factor that promotes brain aging. Recently, several epidemiological studies have reported that the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease is increased by exposure to fine PM (PM < 2.5 μm) (8).
Final answer: Among the choices given, Lead is most directly associated with causing human neurological damage. Though other substances, like Sulfur Dioxide, can be harmful, they do not have the same direct link to human neurology as Lead does.
Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown an increased proportion of small particle pollutants in the air, is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. But it remains unclear how this particulate matter alters someone's risk and drives progression of neurodegenerative disease.