India, March 12 -- With the rising air pollution levels, we are constantly exposed to unhealthy air. Be it from vehicle emissions or factory smoke or wildfires, polluted air can cause severe damage to our lungs and heart. However, a recent study states that breathing polluted air can lead to Alzheimer's disease and autism. Also read | One hour in polluted air, even at home, could dull your brain: Here's what you need to know

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, throws light on a process that can lead to disruption in the normal functioning of the brain cells, destroying their abilities to communicate and connect, leading to cell damage.

While it was known that exposure to polluted air can lead to brai...