LONG-TERM OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS AND COGNITION: FINDINGS FROM THE HCAP SUBSTUDY OF ELSA
2024
Air Pollution and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Sample size: 1200
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Gessa Giorgio Di
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
How do different air pollutants and their sources impact cognitive performance in older adults?
Conclusion
Higher levels of air pollution are linked to poorer cognitive function in older adults, particularly affecting verbal fluency and executive function.
Supporting Evidence
- Respondents with higher residential levels of air pollution reported poorer cognitive function.
- Sustained high levels of NO2 were associated with poorer cognition.
- Emissions from industry were found to be particularly detrimental to cognition.
Takeaway
Breathing in dirty air can make it harder for older people to think and remember things.
Methodology
Data from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) sub-study of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing was used to assess cognitive performance in relation to air pollution exposure.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
Statistical Information
P-Value
-1.75
Confidence Interval
-3.43;-0.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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