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

Abstract

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 (PM2.5) were estimated for each participant using GIS-based spatio-temporal models, and exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were obtained from the nearest EPA monitors. Results In adjusted linear regression models, IQR increases in 1 to 7 year PM2.5 exposures 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 1.6 years, while exposures to NO2 were equivalent to aging 1.9 years. The impacts of PM2.5 on cognition were modified by stroke, anxiety, and stress, and were mediated by depression. The impacts of NO2 were mediated by stress and no effect modification for NO2 was found. Conclusions Exposures to long-term PM2.5 and NO2 were 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 PM2.5 on cognition. Additionally, mediation results suggest that PM2.5 may impact cognition through pathways related to mood disorders.

Analysis and Modelling of PM2.5 Temporal and Spatial Behaviors in European Cities

“…Significant variations were also observed at WGUBNL (Amsterdam) and GNUBFR (Paris) (σ = 0.93 µg/m 3 and 1.00 µg/m 3 , respectively), as well as higher PM 2.5 concentrations in autumn and winter. Despite some relevant monthly variations (σ = 1.08 µg/m 3 Strong monthly variations were also observed at the suburban background site of LISBCZ (Prague), urban centre site of SIUCTR (Istanbul) and roadside site of ARRSFR (Paris) (σ = 1.81 µg/m 3 , 2.01 µg/m 3 and 1.57 µg/m 3 , respectively). At these sites, a U-shaped profile was observed during spring and summer, with higher PM 2.5 levels happening during autumn and winter.…”

“…In particular, because of its small size and capacity to penetrate deeply in the human respiratory system, PM 2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm) is associated with harmful effects on human health, especially on a long-term exposure [2]. Those effects include fatal cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and decreased cognitive functions [3,4]. In addition, it has been linked to environmental concerns, such as visibility impairment (haze) and damage in ecosystems.…”

Effect of short-term exposure to ambient air particulate matter on incidence of delirium in a surgical population

“…Dementia, delirium, and depression syndromes have a high degree of overlap, can exist simultaneously in the same patient, and often increase the risk for each other 24 . Recent literature has suggested that the impacts of PM2.5 on cognition are mediated by mood disorders such as depression 25 . The possible impact of short-term pollution exposure on mood in surgical patients should also be considered in future research.…”

“…Women are thought to have less cognitive functional capacity and experience greater levels of disability or frailty than men 28 . Elevated levels of anxiety may be one reason underlying why women are more susceptible than men to the effects of ambient pollution on delirium 25 .…”

Ambient PM2.5 influences productive activities in public sector bureaucracies

“…The adverse health effects of air pollution exposure on human health are well documented (Brunekreef and Holgate 2002, Kampa and Castanas 2008, Apte et al 2015, Oudin et al 2016, Woodward and Levine 2016. Among others, air pollution has negative influence on fetal and infant health (Chay and Greenstone 2003, Currie and Neidell 2005, Luechinger 2014), hinders lung development in children (Gauderman et al 2004) and impacts on cognitive function (Tallon et al 2017, Zhang et al 2018. The effects of air pollution are discernible on human activity (Graff Zivin and Neidell 2013).…”