HEPA air purifiers may boost brain power in adults over 40 – new research

The gain isn’t huge, but it’s a notable improvement – similar to what people experience when they start exercising more.

By: Nicholas Pellegrino, University of Connecticut; Doug Brugge, University of Connecticut, and Misha Eliasziw, Tufts University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 22, 2026

Words: 944

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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By Nicholas Pellegrino, University of Connecticut; Doug Brugge, University of Connecticut, and Misha Eliasziw, Tufts University

Using an in-home HEPA purifier for one month spurs a small but significant improvement in brain function in adults age 40 and older. That’s the result of a new study we co-authored in the journal Scientific Reports.

HEPA purifiers – HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air – remove particulate matter from the air. Exposure to particulate …

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