Cognitive impacts of ambient air pollution in the National Social Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) cohort

Apr 11, 2017Environment international

Effects of Air Pollution on Thinking and Memory in Older Adults from the National Social Health and Aging Project

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Abstract

IQR increases in 1 to 7-year exposures to fine particles (PM) were associated with a decrease in cognitive function equivalent to aging 1.6 years.

Higher long-term exposures to fine particles (PM) are linked to declines in cognitive function among older adults.
Increases in nitrogen dioxide (NO) exposure were associated with a cognitive decline equivalent to aging 1.9 years.
The negative effects of PM on cognitive function were influenced by factors such as stroke, anxiety, and stress.
Depression may mediate the relationship between PM exposure and cognitive decline.
The impact of NO on cognition was also mediated by stress and modified by difficulties with daily activities.

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BACKGROUND: Pathways through which air pollution may impact cognitive function are poorly understood, particularly with regard to whether and how air pollution interacts with social and emotional factors to influence cognitive health.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between air pollutant exposures and cognitive outcomes among older adults participating in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) cohort study.

METHODS: Measures of cognitive function, social connectedness, and physical and mental health were obtained for each NSHAP participant starting with Wave 1 of the study in 2005. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chicago Cognitive Function Measure (CCFM) for 3377 participants. Exposures to fine particles (PM) were estimated for each participant using GIS-based spatio-temporal models, and exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO) were obtained from the nearest EPA monitors. 2.5 2

RESULTS: In adjusted linear regression models, IQR increases in 1 to 7year PMexposures were associated with a 0.22 (95% CI: -0.44, -0.01) to a 0.25 (95% CI: -0.43, -0.06) point decrease in CCFM scores, equivalent to aging 1.6years, while exposures to NOwere equivalent to aging 1.9years. The impacts of PMon cognition were modified by stroke, anxiety, and stress, and were mediated by depression. The impacts of NOwere mediated by stress and effect modification by impaired activities of daily living for NOwas found. 2.5 2 2.5 2 2

CONCLUSIONS: Exposures to long-term PMand NOwere associated with decreased cognitive function in our cohort of older Americans, and individuals who experienced a stroke or elevated anxiety were more susceptible to the effects of PMon cognition. Additionally, mediation results suggest that PMmay impact cognition through pathways related to mood disorders. 2.5 2 2.5 2.5

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Cognitive impacts of ambient air pollution in the National Social Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) cohort

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