The aging population worldwide is facing a significant increase in age-related non-communicable
diseases, including cardiovascular and brain pathologies. This comprehensive review
paper delves into the impact of the exposome, which encompasses the totality of environmental
exposures, on unhealthy aging. It explores how environmental factors contribute to
the acceleration of aging processes, increase biological age, and facilitate the development
and progression of a wide range of age-associated diseases. The impact of environmental
factors on cognitive health and the development of chronic age-related diseases affecting
the cardiovascular system and central nervous system is discussed, with a specific
focus on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, small vessel disease, and
vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Aging is a major risk factor for these diseases.
Their pathogenesis involves cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging such as increased
oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and inflammation and
is influenced by environmental factors. Environmental toxicants, including ambient
particulate matter, pesticides, heavy metals, and organic solvents, have been identified
as significant contributors to cardiovascular and brain aging disorders. These toxicants
can inflict both macro- and microvascular damage and many of them can also cross the
blood–brain barrier, inducing neurotoxic effects, neuroinflammation, and neuronal
dysfunction. In conclusion, environmental factors play a critical role in modulating
cardiovascular and brain aging. A deeper understanding of how environmental toxicants
exacerbate aging processes and contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative
diseases, VCI, and dementia is crucial for the development of preventive strategies
and interventions to promote cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and brain health. By
mitigating exposure to harmful environmental factors and promoting healthy aging,
we can strive to reduce the burden of age-related cardiovascular and brain pathologies
in the aging population.
