Pollution is a problem the world over, but recent years have seen attention shed on the Middle East for high air pollution. With quickly developing cities, excessive traffic and oil production as a large part of the economy, the region is understandably prone to higher levels of pollution.

A new study published last week in an American Heart Association journal suggests that regular exposure to air pollution may cause cognitive impairment. Researchers studied 943 healthy adults who were at least 60 years old and lived in the New England region. The research subjects were given MRIs and the images were then compared to air pollution levels from the subjects' home areas.

The study observed a 0.32 percent reduction in brain volume associated with an increase of 2 micrograms per cubic meter in fine-particle pollution. This type of pollution is common, created by car exhaust as well as other sources. The range observed in the study can be observed across an average city.

Although these numbers may seem relatively small, they are actually rather serious.

"[That amount of reduction] is equivalent to about one year of brain aging," said Elissa H. Wilker, the study's author and a researcher in the cardiovascular epidemiology research unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, according to Live Science . Additionally, a 46 percent greater risk of "silent strokes" was observed with the same increase in fine-particle pollution.

These results are certainly alarming, but Wilker was quick to point out that they do not prove that there is necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship with brain change and air pollution. Other variables could be at play. While further studies need to be done in order to corroborate the results, the possibility is rather concerning.

Air pollution has already been directly linked to deaths within the region. In 2012 alone, over 4,000 people died in Tehran due to air pollution. The Iranian capital often suffers from severe smog that keeps residents inside, only venturing out with medical masks covering their noses and mouths.

Looks like its time for us to pack up and head to the countryside. Anyone care to join?