Breathing Clean, Thinking Sharper: Purifiers Boost Cognition in Adults 40+
A randomized crossover study in Somerville, MA found that adults aged 40 and older who used a home HEPA air purifier for one month showed about a 12% faster performance on tests of mental flexibility and executive function versus a sham purifier, suggesting reduced particulate matter may offer modest cognitive benefits. Results are preliminary due to the small sample, age range limitations, and short duration, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.