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Zagnoli F, Filippini T, Jimenez MP, Wise LA, Hatch EE, Vinceti M. Is Greenness Associated with Dementia? A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:574-590. [PMID: 35857243 PMCID: PMC9729322 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We assessed the relation between environmental greenness and risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis up to March 30, 2022, characterizing whenever possible the shape of the association using dose-response meta-analysis. RECENT FINDINGS Twelve studies were included in this review, either using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or land use/cover (LU/LC) methodology to assess greenness. Comparing the highest versus lowest exposure categories of greenness assessed using the NDVI (6 studies) or LU/LC (6 studies), we found no association with dementia. Dose-response meta-analysis of the association between greenness measured by LU/LC and dementia, based on only 3 studies, indicated a U-shaped association, but estimates were imprecise. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provided some evidence of a slight inverse association between greenness and dementia at intermediate exposure levels, but not at high levels. Potential methodological limitations, such as exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, may have affected the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Zagnoli
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, 287 Via Campi, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, 287 Via Campi, 41125 Modena, Italy ,School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704 USA
| | - Marcia P. Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, 287 Via Campi, 41125 Modena, Italy ,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118 USA
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Thompson R, Smith RB, Bou Karim Y, Shen C, Drummond K, Teng C, Toledano MB. Noise pollution and human cognition: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of recent evidence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106905. [PMID: 34649047 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent epidemiological evidence that environmental noise negatively impacts human cognition. METHODS We update a prior review with recent publications (PROSPERO CRD42019151923). The strength of evidence for associations was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) framework. We also conducted random-effects meta-analyses where suitable. RESULTS 16 studies were identified and reviewed in tandem with 32 studies previously reviewed by Clark & Paunovic (2018). A meta-analysis from 3 studies found that reading comprehension scores in quiet classrooms were 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.40; 1.20) points higher than children in noisier classrooms. Meta-analysis of the impact of 1 dB (dB) increase in environmental noise on reading and language abilities gave a pooled beta coefficient of -0.11(95% confidence interval: -0.32; 0.10). A meta-analysis of Odds Ratios (OR) from 3 studies found higher odds of cognitive impairment in people aged 45 + with higher residential noise exposure (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18;1.61). After qualitative synthesis of remaining studies, there was high quality evidence for an association between environmental noise and cognitive impairment in middle-to-older adults, moderate quality evidence for an association between aircraft noise and reading and language in children, and moderate quality evidence against an association between aircraft noise and executive functioning in children. Generally the literature was supportive for other cognitive outcomes, but with low or very low-quality evidence. DISCUSSION The evidence so far suggests that noise exposure is associated with cognition, but more good quality research using standardised methodology is required to corroborate these results and to allow for precise risk estimation by larger meta-analyses. There is also a need for more research with older teenagers and young-to-middle aged adults, on the synergistic effects of noise and air pollution, and in Africa, Central and South America, South Asia and Australasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Thompson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Rachel B Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Yasmin Bou Karim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Chen Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Kayleigh Drummond
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Chloe Teng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Environmental Exposures and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK.
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Alemany S, Crous-Bou M, Vilor-Tejedor N, Milà-Alomà M, Suárez-Calvet M, Salvadó G, Cirach M, Arenaza-Urquijo EM, Sanchez-Benavides G, Grau-Rivera O, Minguillon C, Fauria K, Kollmorgen G, Domingo Gispert J, Gascón M, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Sunyer J, Luis Molinuevo J. Associations between air pollution and biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively unimpaired individuals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106864. [PMID: 34537521 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air quality contributes to incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) although the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are unclear. This study was aimed to examine the association between air pollution and concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers and amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition. Participants and methods The sample included 156 cognitively unimpaired adults aged 57 years (61 at biomarkers assessment) with increased risk of AD from the ALFA + Study. We examined CSF levels of Aβ42, Aβ40, p-Tau, t-Tau, neurofilament light (NfL) and cerebral amyloid load (Centiloid). A Land Use Regression model from 2009 was used to estimate residential exposure to air pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2,) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM2.5 abs, PM10). This model was considered a surrogate of long-term exposure until time of data collection in 2013-2014. Participants have resided in the same residence for at least the previous 3 years. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate associations between air pollutants and biomarkers. The effect modification by CSF Aβ status and APOE-ε4 carriership was also assessed. RESULTS A consistent pattern of results indicated that greater exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 absorbance was associated with higher levels of brain Aβ deposition, while greater exposure to PM10 and PM2.5was associated with higher levels of CSF NfL. Most associations were driven by individuals that were Aβ-positive. Although APOE-ε4 status did not significantly modify these associations, the effect of air pollutants exposure on CSF NfL levels was stronger in APOE-ε4 carriers. CONCLUSION In a population of cognitively unimpaired adults with increased risk of AD, long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with higher levels in biomarkers of AD pathology. While further research is granted to elucidate the mechanisms involved in such associations, our results reinforce the role of air pollution as an environmental risk factor for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Alemany
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP). Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Crous-Bou
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBEL). L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Natalia Vilor-Tejedor
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG). The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Erasmus MC. University Medical Center Rotterdam. Department of Clinical Genetics.Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Milà-Alomà
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Suárez-Calvet
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain; Servei de Neurologia, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Salvadó
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP). Madrid, Spain
| | - Eider M Arenaza-Urquijo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Benavides
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain
| | - Oriol Grau-Rivera
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain; Servei de Neurologia, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Minguillon
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain
| | - Karine Fauria
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-FES). Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Domingo Gispert
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Gascón
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP). Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP). Madrid, Spain
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health - Campus MAR, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP). Madrid, Spain; IMIM - Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Molinuevo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.
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Daniels S, Clemente DBP, Desart S, Saenen N, Sleurs H, Nawrot TS, Malina R, Plusquin M. Introducing nature at the work floor: A nature-based intervention to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 240:113884. [PMID: 34847453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a growing body of research has shown that exposure to nature has restorative effects on human health, the potential beneficial effects of nature-based interventions in the working environment are still underexplored. METHODS We performed a randomized controlled study with a nature-based program during working hours. We enrolled employees, randomized the participants into two groups being an intervention and a control group. Twice a week for three consecutive weeks, the intervention group participated in nature-based activities for 2 h. The primary outcomes were cognitive performance, burnout assessment, salivary cortisol levels, and continuous stress levels. We performed intervention-response analyses using mixed-effects models that included random effects for each participant across the different examinations. RESULTS Compared to the control group (n = 20), the intervention group (n = 25) participating in the nature-based program had a lower Burnout Assessment Tool score (-14.9% CI-16.2 to -14.3, difference; p < 0.001), lower salivary cortisol levels (-29.3% CI-34.7 to -25.3; p < 0.001) and higher visual information processing speed (7.4% CI6.9-8.0; p < 0.001). Selective attention of the participants that participated in the nature-based program improved during the interventions (-10.6 CI-19.6 to -6.9, p = 0.045), compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence that exposure to nature during work hours reduces stress and improves cognitive performance. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT04111796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvie Daniels
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Diana B P Clemente
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Steffie Desart
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven University, Oude Markt 13 - bus 5005, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Nelly Saenen
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hanne Sleurs
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Unit Environment & Health, Leuven University, Herestraat 49, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Malina
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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How Does Urban Green Space Impact Residents' Mental Health: A Literature Review of Mediators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211746. [PMID: 34831512 PMCID: PMC8621109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the interest in the relationship between urban green space and residents’ mental health has gradually risen. A number of researchers have investigated the causal relationship and possible mediators between the two, although few have summarized these mediators. For this reason, we searched for relevant studies and filtered them by criteria and quality score, and analyzed the mediators and paths of the impact of urban green space on residents’ mental health. The mediators can be divided into environmental factors, outdoor activity, and social cohesion. From the perspective of heterogeneity, both individual characteristics (e.g., age and gender) and group characteristics (e.g., level of urban development and urban density) of residents are considered to be the cause of various mediating effects. Types of urban green space tend to affect residents’ mental health through different paths. Furthermore, this review discusses the details of each part under the influence paths. Finally, the policy implications for urban green space planning from three mediator levels are put forward based on an analysis of the situation in different countries.
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Does Air Pollution Impact Fiscal Sustainability? Evidence from Chinese Cities. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14217247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fiscal sustainability is an issue of great concern for governments globally and air pollution control has become an important factor affecting fiscal sustainability. This study aims to examine the impact of air pollution on fiscal sustainability in the short and long run. We conducted an empirical analysis based on air pollution and local government debt data on China’s prefecture-level cities in 2014–2019, using regression discontinuity design (RDD) and a panel data model. The results show that air pollution reduces the debt burden of governments in the short run. However, in the long run, addressing the negative impacts of air pollution adds to the debt burden of local governments, hindering fiscal sustainability. Fiscal freedom and the level of public services significantly moderate the negative impact of air pollution on fiscal sustainability. A higher level of fiscal freedom generally indicates a greater incentive for local governments to raise pollutant emission standards, strengthen the construction of green infrastructure, and subsidize green enterprises. Furthermore, a higher level of public services reflects better infrastructure and higher levels of investment in environmental protection, which help to reduce the negative impact of air pollution. The governments are suggested to take measures to effectively control air pollution, so as to enhance fiscal stability in the long run.
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Song Y, Chen B, Ho HC, Kwan MP, Liu D, Wang F, Wang J, Cai J, Li X, Xu Y, He Q, Wang H, Xu Q, Song Y. Observed inequality in urban greenspace exposure in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106778. [PMID: 34425646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Given the important role of green environments playing in healthy cities, the inequality in urban greenspace exposure has aroused growing attentions. However, few comparative studies are available to quantify this phenomenon for cities with different population sizes across a country, especially for those in the developing world. Besides, commonly used inequality measures are always hindered by the conceptual simplification without accounting for human mobility in greenspace exposure assessments. To fill this knowledge gap, we leverage multi-source geospatial big data and a modified assessment framework to evaluate the inequality in urban greenspace exposure for 303 cities in China. Our findings reveal that the majority of Chinese cities are facing high inequality in greenspace exposure, with 207 cities having a Gini index larger than 0.6. Driven by the spatiotemporal variability of human distribution, the magnitude of inequality varies over different times of the day. We also find that exposure inequality is correlated with low greenspace provision with a statistical significance (p-value < 0.05). The inadequate provision may result from various factors, such as dry cold climate and urbanization patterns. Our study provides evidence and insights for central and local governments in China to implement more effective and sustainable greening programs adjusted to different local circumstances and incorporate the public participatory engagement to achieve a real balance between greenspace supply and demand for developing healthy cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Song
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Smart Cities Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Bin Chen
- Division of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Hung Chak Ho
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Mei-Po Kwan
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, The University of Western Ontario, Social Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, The University of Western Ontario, Social Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jionghua Wang
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jixuan Cai
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xijing Li
- Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- School of Geographical Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingqing He
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Qiyan Xu
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yongze Song
- School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia.
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Long-term air pollution, noise, and structural measures of the Default Mode Network in the brain: Results from the 1000BRAINS cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 239:113867. [PMID: 34717183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While evidence suggests that long-term air pollution (AP) and noise may adversely affect cognitive function, little is known about whether environmental exposures also promote structural changes in underlying brain networks. We therefore investigated the associations between AP, traffic noise, and structural measures of the Default Mode Network (DMN), a functional brain network known to undergo specific changes with age. METHODS We analyzed data from 579 participants (mean age at imaging: 66.5 years) of the German 1000BRAINS study. Long-term residential exposure to particulate matter (diameter ≤10 μm [PM10]; diameter ≤2.5 μm [PM2.5]), PM2.5 absorbance (PM2.5abs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and accumulation mode particulate number concentration (PNAM) was estimated using validated land use regression and chemistry transport models. Long-term outdoor traffic noise was modeled at participants' homes based on a European Union's Environmental Noise Directive. As measures of brain structure, cortical thickness and local gyrification index (lGI) values were calculated for DMN regions from T1-weighted structural brain images collected between 2011 and 2015. Associations between environmental exposures and brain structure measures were estimated using linear regression models, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS AP exposures were below European Union standards but above World Health Organization guidelines (e.g., PM10 mean: 27.5 μg/m3). A third of participants experienced outdoor 24-h noise above European recommendations. Exposures were not consistently associated with lGI values in the DMN. We observed weak inverse associations between AP and cortical thickness in the right anterior DMN (e.g., -0.010 mm [-0.022, 0.002] per 0.3 unit increase in PM2.5abs) and lateral part of the posterior DMN. CONCLUSION Long-term AP and noise were not consistently associated with structural parameters of the DMN in the brain. While weak associations were present between AP exposure and cortical thinning of right hemispheric DMN regions, it remains unclear whether AP might influence DMN brain structure in a similar way as aging.
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Huang L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Lan Y. Relationship Between Chronic Noise Exposure, Cognitive Impairment, and Degenerative Dementia: Update on the Experimental and Epidemiological Evidence and Prospects for Further Research. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:1409-1427. [PMID: 33459723 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, is characterized by the gradual deterioration of cognitive function. The events that trigger and promote degenerative dementia are not clear, and treatment options are limited. Experimental and epidemiological studies have revealed chronic noise exposure (CNE) as a potential risk factor for cognitive impairment and degenerative dementia. Experimental studies have indicated that long-term exposure to noise might accelerate cognitive dysfunction, amyloid-β deposition, and tau hyperphosphorylation in different brain regions such as the hippocampus and cortex. Epidemiological studies are increasingly examining the possible association between external noise exposure and dementia. In this review, we sought to construct a comprehensive summary of the relationship between CNE, cognitive dysfunction, and degenerative dementia. We also present the limitations of existing evidence as a guide regarding important prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.,Department of Occupational Hazard Assessment, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Periodical Press and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.,Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Occupational Hazard Assessment, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yajia Lan
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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Weuve J, Bennett EE, Ranker L, Gianattasio KZ, Pedde M, Adar SD, Yanosky JD, Power MC. Exposure to Air Pollution in Relation to Risk of Dementia and Related Outcomes: An Updated Systematic Review of the Epidemiological Literature. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:96001. [PMID: 34558969 PMCID: PMC8462495 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a devastating neurologic condition that is common in older adults. We previously reviewed the epidemiological evidence examining the hypothesis that long-term exposure to air pollution affects dementia risk. Since then, the evidence base has expanded rapidly. OBJECTIVES With this update, we collectively review new and previously identified epidemiological studies on air pollution and late-life cognitive health, highlighting new developments and critically discussing the merits of the evidence. METHODS Using a registered protocol (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020152943), we updated our literature review to capture studies published through 31 December 2020, extracted data, and conducted a bias assessment. RESULTS We identified 66 papers (49 new) for inclusion in this review. Cognitive level remained the most commonly considered outcome, and particulate matter (PM) remained the most commonly considered air pollutant. Since our prior review, exposure estimation methods in this research have improved, and more papers have looked at cognitive change, neuroimaging, and incident cognitive impairment/dementia, though methodological concerns remain common. Many studies continue to rely on administrative records to ascertain dementia, have high potential for selection bias, and adjust for putative mediating factors in primary models. A subset of 35 studies met strict quality criteria. Although high-quality studies of fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ) and cognitive decline generally supported an adverse association, other findings related to PM 2.5 and findings related to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μ m (PM 10 , NO 2 , and NO x ) were inconclusive, and too few papers reported findings with ozone to comment on the likely direction of association. Notably, only a few findings on dementia were included for consideration on the basis of quality criteria. DISCUSSION Strong conclusions remain elusive, although the weight of the evidence suggests an adverse association between PM 2.5 and cognitive decline. However, we note a continued need to confront methodological challenges in this line of research. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin E. Bennett
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lynsie Ranker
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kan Z. Gianattasio
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meredith Pedde
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sara D. Adar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeff D. Yanosky
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melinda C. Power
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
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Younan D, Wang X, Gruenewald T, Gatz M, Serre ML, Vizuete W, Braskie MN, Woods NF, Kahe K, Garcia L, Lurmann F, Manson JE, Chui HC, Wallace RB, Espeland MA, Chen JC. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease Risk: Role of Exposure to Ambient Fine Particles. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:977-985. [PMID: 34383042 PMCID: PMC9071399 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether racial/ethnic disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk may be explained by ambient fine particles (PM2.5) has not been studied. METHOD We conducted a prospective, population-based study on a cohort of Black (n = 481) and White (n = 6 004) older women (aged 65-79) without dementia at enrollment (1995-1998). Cox models accounting for competing risk were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for racial/ethnic disparities in AD (1996-2010) defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition and the association with time-varying annual average PM2.5 (1999-2010) estimated by spatiotemporal model. RESULTS Over an average follow-up of 8.3 (±3.5) years with 158 incident cases (21 in Black women), the racial disparities in AD risk (range of adjusted HRBlack women = 1.85-2.41) observed in various models could not be explained by geographic region, age, socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle factors, cardiovascular risk factors, and hormone therapy assignment. Estimated PM2.5 exposure was higher in Black (14.38 ± 2.21 µg/m3) than in White (12.55 ± 2.76 µg/m3) women, and further adjustment for the association between PM2.5 and AD (adjusted HRPM2.5 = 1.18-1.28) slightly reduced the racial disparities by 2%-6% (HRBlack women = 1.81-2.26). The observed association between PM2.5 and AD risk was ~2 times greater in Black (HRPM2.5 = 2.10-2.60) than in White (HRPM2.5 = 1.07-1.15) women (range of interaction ps: <.01-.01). We found similar results after further adjusting for social engagement (social strain, social support, social activity, living alone), stressful life events, Women's Health Initiative's clinic sites, and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS PM2.5 may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in AD risk and its associated increase in AD risk was stronger among Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Younan
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nancy F Woods
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, USA
| | - Ka Kahe
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Fred Lurmann
- Sonoma Technology, Inc., Petaluma, California, USA
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Mark A Espeland
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Address correspondence to: Jiu-Chiuan Chen, MD, ScD, University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA. E-mail:
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Min KD, Kim JS, Park YH, Shin HY, Kim C, Seo SW, Kim SY. New assessment for residential greenness and the association with cortical thickness in cognitively healthy adults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146129. [PMID: 33714817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that neurological health could be improved with the intervention of local green space. A few studies adopted cortical thickness, as an effective biomarker for neurodegenerative disorder, to investigate the association with residential greenness. However, they relied on limited data sources, definitions or applications to assess residential greenness. Our cross-sectional study assessed individual residential greenness using an alternative measure, which provides a more realistic definition of local impact and application based on the type of area, and investigated the association with cortical thickness. METHODS The study population included 2542 subjects who participated in the medical check-up program at the Health Promotion Center of the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from 2008 to 2014. The cortical thickness was calculated by each of the four and global lobes from brain MRI. For greenness, we used the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) that detects canopy structural variation by adjusting background noise based on satellite imagery data. To assess individual exposure to residential greenness, we computed the maximum annual EVI before the date of a medical check-up and averaged it within 750 m from subjects' homes to represent an average walking distance. Finally, we assessed the association with cortical thickness by urban and non-urban populations using multiple linear regression adjusting for individual characteristics. RESULTS The average global cortical thickness and EVI were 3.05 mm (standard deviation = 0.1 mm) and 0.31 (0.1), respectively. An interquartile range increase in EVI was associated with 11 μm (95% confidence interval = 3-20) and 9 μm (1-16) increases in cortical thickness of the parietal and occipital regions among the urban population. We did not find associations in non-urban subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the association between residential greenness and neurological health using alternative exposure assessments, indicating that high exposure to residential greenness can prevent neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Duk Min
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Hyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Shin
- Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsoo Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun-Young Kim
- Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Falcón C, Gascon M, Molinuevo JL, Operto G, Cirach M, Gotsens X, Fauria K, Arenaza‐Urquijo EM, Pujol J, Sunyer J, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Gispert JD, Crous‐Bou M. Brain correlates of urban environmental exposures in cognitively unimpaired individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease: A study on Barcelona's population. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 13:e12205. [PMID: 34258378 PMCID: PMC8256622 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urban environmental exposures might contribute to the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our aim was to identify structural brain imaging correlates of urban environmental exposures in cognitively unimpaired individuals at increased risk of AD. METHODS Two hundred twelve participants with brain scans and residing in Barcelona, Spain, were included. Land use regression models were used to estimate residential exposure to air pollutants. The daily average noise level was obtained from noise maps. Residential green exposure indicators were also generated. A cerebral 3D-T1 was acquired to obtain information on brain morphology. Voxel-based morphometry statistical analyses were conducted to determine the areas of the brain in which regional gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were associated with environmental exposures. RESULTS Exposure to nitrogen dioxide was associated with lower GM volume in the precuneus and greater WM volume in the splenium of the corpus callosum and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. In contrast, exposure to fine particulate matter was associated with greater GM in cerebellum and WM in the splenium of corpus callosum, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum cingulate gyrus. Noise was positively associated with WM volume in the body of the corpus callosum. Exposure to greenness was associated with greater GM volume in the middle frontal, precentral, and the temporal pole. DISCUSSION In cognitively unimpaired adults with increased risk of AD, exposure to air pollution, noise, and green areas are associated with GM and WM volumes of specific brain areas known to be affected in AD, thus potentially conferring a higher vulnerability to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Falcón
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN)MadridSpain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mireia Gascon
- ISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - José Luis Molinuevo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)BarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)MadridSpain
| | - Grégory Operto
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)MadridSpain
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Xavier Gotsens
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
| | - Karine Fauria
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)MadridSpain
| | - Eider M. Arenaza‐Urquijo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES)MadridSpain
| | - Jesús Pujol
- MRI Research Unit, Department of RadiologyHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM G21)MadridSpain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Juan Domingo Gispert
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- CIBER Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN)MadridSpain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)BarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Marta Crous‐Bou
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC)Pasqual Maragall FoundationBarcelonaSpain
- Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research ProgramCatalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)–Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
- Department of EpidemiologyHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Attademo L, Bernardini F. Air Pollution as Risk Factor for Mental Disorders: In Search for a Possible Link with Alzheimer's Disease and Schizophrenia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:825-830. [PMID: 32568207 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As a global problem that has increasingly been causing worldwide concern, air pollution poses a significant and serious environmental risk to health. Risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as various types of cancer, have been consistently associated with the exposure to air pollutants. More recently, various studies have also shown that the central nervous system is also attacked by air pollution. Air pollution appears to be strongly associated with a higher risk of cognitive defects, neurodevelopmental (e.g., schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) disorders. Subjects with schizophrenia, as well as subjects with Alzheimer's disease, experience a variety of neuropsychological deficits and cognitive impairments. This determines an adverse effect on social and professional functioning, and it contributes to the long-term disease burden. However, no final conclusions have been drawn on the matter of the direct relationship between schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, the topic of urbanicity and mental health has become increasingly important. Urban exposure to environmental toxins and pollution is currently described as a reliable risk factor for schizophrenia and other psychoses, and it has been demonstrated more and more how exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased risk of dementia. Pathways by which air pollution can target and damage the brain, leading to an increased risk for developing schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, are multiple and complex. Results from epidemiological studies suggest potential associations, but are still insufficient to confirm causality. Further studies are needed in order to verify this hypothesis. And if confirmed, the clinical implications could be of substantial relevance for both public and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Attademo
- Department of Mental Health, ASP Basilicata, Potenza, Italy.,Planetary Health Lab, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Francesco Bernardini
- Planetary Health Lab, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Mental Health, ASFO Friuli Occidentale, Pordenone, Italy
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Lin FC, Chen CY, Lin CW, Wu MT, Chen HY, Huang P. Air Pollution Is Associated with Cognitive Deterioration of Alzheimer's Disease. Gerontology 2021; 68:53-61. [PMID: 33882496 DOI: 10.1159/000515162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. Alz-heimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia among the elderly, has great impact on the health-care system of developed nations. Several risk factors are suggestive of an increased risk of AD, including APOE-ε4, male, age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and low social engagement. However, data on risk factors of AD progression are limited. Air pollution is revealed to be associated with increasing dementia incidence, but the relationship between air pollution and clinical AD cognitive deterioration is unclear. METHODS We conducted a case-control and city-to-city study to compare the progression of AD patients in different level of air-polluted cities. Clinical data of a total of 704 AD patients were retrospectively collected, 584 residences in Kaohsiung and 120 residences in Pingtung between 2002 and 2018. An annual interview was performed with each patient, and the Clinical Dementia Rating score (0 [normal] to 3 [severe stage]) was used to evaluate their cognitive deterioration. Air pollution data of Kaohsiung and Pingtung city for 2002-2018 were retrieved from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Annual Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were obtained. RESULTS The PSI was higher in Kaohsiung and compared with Pingtung patients, Kaohsiung patients were exposed to higher average annual concentrations of CO, NO2, PM10, and SO2. AD patients living in Kaohsiung suffered from faster cognitive deterioration in comparison with Pingtung patients (log-rank test: p = 0.016). When using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, higher levels of CO, NO2, PM10, and SO2 exposure were associated with increased risk of AD cognitive deterioration. Among all these air pollutants, high SO2 exposure has the greatest impact while O3 has a neutral effect on AD cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Air pollution is an environment-related risk factor that can be controlled and is associated with cognitive deterioration of AD. This finding could contribute to the implementation of public intervention strategies of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Cheng Lin
- Department of Neurology, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih Yin Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung Wei Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming Tsang Wu
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Community Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan Yu Chen
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Poyin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Luo Y, Zhong Y, Pang L, Zhao Y, Liang R, Zheng X. The effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older population in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142460. [PMID: 33254849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Growing evidence has linked outdoor air pollution exposure with higher risk of cognitive impairments. However, the role of indoor air pollution in cognitive decline is not well elaborated. By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study aimed to explore the effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older individuals in China. METHODS Data were obtained from 2011 to 2015 waves of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Scores from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and figure drawing/word recall tests were used to measure cognitive function in 39,482 individuals. Exposure to indoor air pollution was measured as use of solid fuel for cooking. Solid fuel was defined as coal, biomass charcoal, wood, and straw; clean fuel was defined as liquefied gas, natural gas, and electricity. Linear mixed effect models were applied to examine the effect of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function. RESULTS Participants had an average global cognitive function of 9.67 (SD = 4.13). Solid fuel users made up 49.71% of participants, but this proportion was much greater among those living in rural areas (64.22%). Compared with clean fuel users, solid fuel users had worse cognitive function. On average, solid fuel users had a 0.81 (95%CI: -0.89, -0.73) lower global cognition score, 0.63 (95%CI: -0.69, -0.57) lower mental health score, and 0.16 (95%CI: -0.22, -0.14) lower episodic memory score. These effects were stronger among participants who are female, aged 65 years old and above, have education level of primary school and below, or have cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence for the role of indoor air pollution in neurobehavioral disorders in China. Promotion of practices like expanded use of clean fuel and improved stoves in households may be crucial to significantly reduce indoor air pollution and protect mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Luo
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China; Advanced Systems Analysis, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria
| | - Yijing Zhong
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Pang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yihao Zhao
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Richard Liang
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China; APEC Health Science Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Petkus AJ, Younan D, Wang X, Beavers DP, Espeland MA, Gatz M, Gruenewald T, Kaufman JD, Chui HC, Millstein J, Rapp SR, Manson JE, Resnick SM, Wellenius GA, Whitsel EA, Widaman K, Chen JC. Associations Between Air Pollution Exposure and Empirically Derived Profiles of Cognitive Performance in Older Women. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:1691-1707. [PMID: 34744078 PMCID: PMC9057084 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating associations between exposures to ambient air pollutants and profiles of cognitive performance may provide insight into neurotoxic effects on the aging brain. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between empirically derived profiles of cognitive performance and residential concentrations of particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in older women. METHOD Women (N = 2,142) from the Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging completed a neuropsychological assessment measuring attention, visuospatial, language, and episodic memory abilities. Average yearly concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 were estimated at the participant's addresses for the 3 years prior to the assessment. Latent profile structural equation models identified subgroups of women exhibiting similar profiles across tests. Multinomial regressions examined associations between exposures and latent profile classification, controlling for covariates. RESULT Five latent profiles were identified: low performance across multiple domains (poor multi-domain; n = 282;13%), relatively poor verbal episodic memory (poor memory; n = 216; 10%), average performance across all domains (average multi-domain; n = 974; 45%), superior memory (n = 381; 18%), and superior attention (n = 332; 15%). Using women with average cognitive ability as the referent, higher PM2.5 (per interquartile range [IQR] = 3.64μg/m3) was associated with greater odds of being classified in the poor memory (OR = 1.29; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.10-1.52) or superior attention (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.10-1.53) profiles. NO2 (per IQR = 9.86 ppb) was associated with higher odds of being classified in the poor memory (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.17-1.63) and lower odds of being classified with superior memory (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67-0.97). CONCLUSION Exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 are associated with patterns of cognitive performance characterized by worse verbal episodic memory relative to performance in other domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Petkus
- University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diana Younan
- University of Southern California, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinhui Wang
- University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P. Beavers
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mark A. Espeland
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Gatz
- University of Southern California, Center for Economic and Social Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tara Gruenewald
- Chapman University, Department of Psychology, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Joel D. Kaufman
- University of Washington, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Helena C. Chui
- University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Millstein
- University of Southern California, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen R. Rapp
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan M. Resnick
- National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eric A. Whitsel
- University of North Carolina, Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keith Widaman
- University of California, Riverside, Graduate School of Education, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Dzhambov AM, Browning MHEM, Markevych I, Hartig T, Lercher P. Analytical approaches to testing pathways linking greenspace to health: A scoping review of the empirical literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109613. [PMID: 32668553 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate translation from theoretical to statistical models of the greenspace - health relationship may lead to incorrect conclusions about the importance of some pathways, which in turn may reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions involving urban greening. In this scoping review we aimed to: (1) summarize the general characteristics of approaches to intervening variable inference (mediation analysis) employed in epidemiological research in the field; (2) identify potential threats to the validity of findings; and (3) propose recommendations for planning, conducting, and reporting mediation analyses. METHODS We conducted a scoping review, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed epidemiological studies published by December 31, 2019. The list of potential studies was continuously updated through other sources until March 2020. Narrative presentation of the results was coupled with descriptive summary of study characteristics. RESULTS We found 106 studies, most of which were cross-sectional in design. Most studies only had a spatial measure of greenspace. Mental health/well-being was the most commonly studied outcome, and physical activity and air pollution were the most commonly tested intervening variables. Most studies only conducted single mediation analysis, even when multiple potentially intertwined mediators were measured. The analytical approaches used were causal steps, difference-of-coefficients, product-of-coefficients, counterfactual framework, and structural equation modelling (SEM). Bootstrapping was the most commonly used method to construct the 95% CI of the indirect effect. The product-of-coefficients method and SEM as used to investigate serial mediation components were more likely to yield findings of indirect effect. In some cases, the causal steps approach thwarted tests of indirect effect, even though both links in an indirect effect were supported. In most studies, sensitivity analyses and proper methodological discussion of the modelling approach were missing. CONCLUSIONS We found a persistent pattern of suboptimal conduct and reporting of mediation analysis in epidemiological studies investigating pathways linking greenspace to health; however, recent years have seen improvements in these respects. Better planning, conduct, and reporting of mediation analyses are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene and Ecomedicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, USA
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lercher
- Institute for Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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Kritikos M, Gandy S, Meliker JR, Luft BJ, Clouston SAP. Acute versus Chronic Exposures to Inhaled Particulate Matter and Neurocognitive Dysfunction: Pathways to Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:871-886. [PMID: 33074229 PMCID: PMC7704925 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 92% of the world's population live in regions where people are regularly exposed to high levels of anthropogenic air pollution. Historically, research on the effects of air pollution have focused extensively on cardiovascular and pulmonary health. However, emerging evidence from animal and human studies has suggested that chronic exposures to air pollution detrimentally change the functioning of the central nervous system with the result being proteinopathy, neurocognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disease. Case analyses of aging World Trade Center responders suggests that a single severe exposure may also induce a neuropathologic response. The goal of this report was to explore the neuroscientific support for the hypothesis that inhaled particulate matter might cause an Alzheimer's-like neurodegenerative disease, in order to consider proposed mechanisms and latency periods linking inhaled particulate matter and neurodegeneration, and to propose new directions in this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minos Kritikos
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Program in Public Health, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Gandy
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaymie R. Meliker
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Program in Public Health, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program, Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sean A. P. Clouston
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Program in Public Health, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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