AIR POLLUTION LINKED TO GLAUCOMA RISK In this study, researchers analyzed data regarding more than 111,000 adults in the United Kingdom and found that those living in areas with the highest levels of fine particulate matter air pollution had a 6% greater risk for glaucoma. Study author Dr. Paul Foster notes, “While we cannot confirm yet that the association is causal, we hope to continue our research to determine whether air pollution does indeed cause glaucoma, and to find out if there are any avoidance strategies that could help people reduce their exposure to air pollution to mitigate the health risks.” Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, November 2019 DIET: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL MAY PREVENT VARIOUS DEMENTIAS. The accumulation of the protein tau in the brain is associated with an elevated risk for several forms of dementia. In this study, researchers observed that when mice prone to accumulations of tau consumed a diet high in extra virgin olive oil, they had 60% fewer tau deposits than rodents on a standard diet. Additionally, the mice on the extra virgin olive oil diet also performed better in standard maze and object recognition memory tests. Aging Cell, November 2019 EXERCISE: MUSCLE MASS LINKED TO HEART HEALTH. New research that reviewed ten years of health data concerning over more than 1,000 adults indicates that men and women with more muscle mass in middle age were less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease— than participants with less muscle mass at midlife. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, November 2019