Face masks could be recommended to ward off dementia in the wake of a new study.

Face Masks

Face Masks

Experts have advised people to wear face masks to filter out dirty air, as well as coronavirus, following research in the United States that linked pollution to the brain condition.

A study from the University of Washington revealed that older people living in areas with just a small amount of extra pollution were 16 per cent more likely to develop dementia.

It also found that just one microgram per cubic metre of air was linked to a higher risk of the disease, even when taking factors such as education, sex and wealth into account.

Dr. Rachel Shaffer, the lead author of the study, said: "This study adds to evidence of the link between microscopic air pollution and dementia, which can be tackled.

"There are some things that individuals can do, such as mask-wearing, which is becoming more normalised now because of Covid."