Air Pollution Exposure Negatively Impacts Some Domains of Cognitive Performance

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 15, 2025.

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, April 15, 2025 -- Air pollution is associated with domain-specific impacts on cognitive performance in older adults, according to a study published online March 17 in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A.

Giorgio Di Gessa, Ph.D., from University College London, and colleagues examined associations between cognitive scores in older adults and eight to 10 years of exposure to air pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and PM2.5 from different emission sources. The analysis included 1,127 participants in the 2018 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol substudy of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

The researchers found mostly inverted j-shape associations between air pollution trajectories and cognition, with respondents exposed to the highest residential levels of NO2 and total PM2.5 having worse performance for global cognition (β = −0.241 and −0.334, respectively) compared with those exposed to average levels of pollution. Similar findings were seen for executive function and memory (PM2.5 only), with an even larger dose-response relationship seen for language. Worse language scores were associated with higher emissions from industry and residential combustion, as well as biofuel, coal, oil, and natural gas combustion.

"Our study shows that air pollution is not just harmful to the lungs and heart but also to brain health, especially when people are exposed to high levels for long periods," Di Gessa said in a statement.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2025-04-16 06:00

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords