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Lefèvre-Arbogast S, Chaker J, Mercier F, Barouki R, Coumoul X, Miller GW, David A, Samieri C. Assessing the contribution of the chemical exposome to neurodegenerative disease. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:812-821. [PMID: 38684891 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, numerous environmental chemicals from solvents to pesticides have been suggested to be involved in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the evidence has accumulated from occupational or cohort studies in humans or laboratory research in animal models, with a range of chemicals being implicated. What has been missing is a systematic approach analogous to genome-wide association studies, which have identified dozens of genes involved in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Fortunately, it is now possible to study hundreds to thousands of chemical features under the exposome framework. This Perspective explores how advances in mass spectrometry make it possible to generate exposomic data to complement genomic data and thereby better understand neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lefèvre-Arbogast
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - J Chaker
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - F Mercier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - R Barouki
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - X Coumoul
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - G W Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - A David
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - C Samieri
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France.
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Jalasto J, Luukkonen R, Lindqvist A, Langhammer A, Kankaanranta H, Backman H, Rönmark E, Sovijärvi A, Piirilä P, Kauppi P. Occupational exposure to vapors, gasses, dusts, and fumes in relation to causes of death during 24 years in Helsinki, Finland. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:145-154. [PMID: 38112780 PMCID: PMC10876715 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-02031-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Environmental particulate matter (PM) exposure has been shown to cause excess all-cause and disease-specific mortality. Our aim was to compare disease-specific mortality by estimated occupational exposure to vapors, gasses, dusts, and fumes (VGDF). METHODS The data source is the Helsinki part of the population-based FinEsS study on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases including information on age, education level, main occupation, sex, and tobacco smoking combined with death registry information. We compared estimated VGDF exposure to mortality using adjusted competing-risks regression for disease-specific survival analysis for a 24-year follow-up. RESULTS Compared to the no-exposure group, the high occupational VGDF exposure group had sub-hazard ratios (sHR) of 1.7 (95% CI 1.3-2.2) for all cardiovascular-related and sHR 2.1 (1.5-3.9) for just coronary artery-related mortality. It also had sHR 1.7 (1.0-2.8) for Alzheimer's or vascular dementia-related mortality and sHR 1.7(1.2-2.4) for all respiratory disease-related mortality. CONCLUSION Long-term occupational exposure to VGDF increased the hazard of mortality- to cardiovascular-, respiratory-, and dementia-related causes. This emphasizes the need for minimizing occupational long-term respiratory exposure to dust, gasses, and fumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juuso Jalasto
- Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, PL 281, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Ari Lindqvist
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arnulf Langhammer
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, HUNT Research Centre, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
| | - Hannu Kankaanranta
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
- Respiratory Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Helena Backman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Rönmark
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anssi Sovijärvi
- Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, PL 281, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Piirilä
- Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, PL 281, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula Kauppi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
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Iversen IB, Mohr MS, Vestergaard JM, Stokholm ZA, Kolstad HA. Associations of Occupational Styrene Exposure With Risk of Encephalopathy and Unspecified Dementia: A Long-Term Follow-up Study of Workers in the Reinforced Plastics Industry. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:288-294. [PMID: 32803258 PMCID: PMC7850053 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to industrial solvents has been associated with encephalopathy. Styrene is a neurotoxic industrial solvent, and we investigated the long-term risk of encephalopathy and unspecified dementia following styrene exposure. We followed 72,465 workers in the reinforced plastics industry in Denmark (1977–2011) and identified incident cases of encephalopathy (n = 228) and unspecified dementia (n = 565) in national registers. Individual styrene exposure levels were modeled from information on occupation, measurements of work place styrene levels, product, process, and years of employment. Adjusted analyses were performed using a discrete survival function. A positive trend for encephalopathy (P < 0.01) and a negative trend for unspecified dementia (P = 0.03) were seen with cumulative styrene exposure accrued during the recent period of up to 15 years. For unspecified dementia and the combination of unspecified dementia and encephalopathy, a positive trend was indicated when applying a 30-year exposure lag (P = 0.13 and P = 0.07). The risk patterns seen following recent exposure probably reflect diagnostic criteria for encephalopathy requiring recent industrial solvent exposure and referral bias rather than association with styrene exposure, while the increasing risk observed for unspecified dementia and the combination of encephalopathy and unspecified dementia following distant exposure indicates an increased risk of dementia following styrene exposure with a long latency period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Brosbøl Iversen
- Correspondence to Dr. Inge Brosbøl Iversen, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark (e-mail: )
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Dimakakou E, Johnston HJ, Streftaris G, Cherrie JW. Is Environmental and Occupational Particulate Air Pollution Exposure Related to Type-2 Diabetes and Dementia? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UK Biobank. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249581. [PMID: 33371391 PMCID: PMC7767456 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to particulate air pollution (e.g., PM2.5) can lead to adverse health effects, with compelling evidence that it can increase morbidity and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. More recently, there has also been evidence that long-term environmental exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dementia. There are many occupations that may expose workers to airborne particles and that some exposures in the workplace are very similar to environmental particulate pollution. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank cohort to verify the association between environmental particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure and T2DM and dementia, and to investigate if occupational exposure to particulates that are similar to those found in environmental air pollution could increase the odds of developing these diseases. The UK Biobank dataset comprises of over 500,000 participants from all over the UK. Environmental exposure variables were used from the UK Biobank. To estimate occupational exposure both the UK Biobank’s data and information from a job exposure matrix, specifically developed for UK Biobank (Airborne Chemical Exposure–Job Exposure Matrix (ACE JEM)), were used. The outcome measures were participants with T2DM and dementia. In appropriately adjusted models, environmental exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.02 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.03) per unit exposure for developing T2DM, while PM2.5 was associated with an odds ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.16) per unit exposure for developing dementia. These environmental results align with existing findings in the published literature. Five occupational exposures (dust, fumes, diesel, mineral, and biological dust in the most recent job estimated with the ACE JEM) were investigated and the risks for most exposures for T2DM and for all the exposures for dementia were not significantly increased in the adjusted models. This was confirmed in a subgroup of participants where a full occupational history was available allowed an estimate of workplace exposures. However, when not adjusting for gender, some of the associations become significant, which suggests that there might be a bias between the occupational assessments for men and women. The results of the present study do not provide clear evidence of an association between occupational exposure to particulate matter and T2DM or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Dimakakou
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14-4AS, UK; (H.J.J.); (J.W.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Helinor J. Johnston
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14-4AS, UK; (H.J.J.); (J.W.C.)
| | - George Streftaris
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14-4AS, UK;
| | - John W. Cherrie
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14-4AS, UK; (H.J.J.); (J.W.C.)
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14-4AP, UK
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5
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Adani G, Filippini T, Garuti C, Malavolti M, Vinceti G, Zamboni G, Tondelli M, Galli C, Costa M, Vinceti M, Chiari A. Environmental Risk Factors for Early-Onset Alzheimer's Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia: A Case-Control Study in Northern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7941. [PMID: 33138082 PMCID: PMC7663191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Early-onset dementia (EOD) is defined as dementia with symptom onset before 65 years. The role of environmental risk factors in the etiology of EOD is still undefined. We aimed at assessing the role of environmental risk factors in EOD etiology, taking into account its different clinical types. Methods: Using a case-control study, we recruited all EOD cases referred to Modena hospitals from 2016 to 2019, while the referent population was drawn from cases' caregivers. We investigated residential history, occupational and environmental exposures to chemicals and lifestyle behaviors through a self-administered questionnaire. We computed the odds ratios of EOD risk (overall and restricting to the Alzheimer's dementia (AD) or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnoses) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals using an unconditional logistic regression model. Results: Fifty-eight EOD patients (19 FTD and 32 AD) and 54 controls agreed to participate. Most of the investigated exposures, such as occupational exposure to aluminum, pesticides, dyes, paints or thinners, were associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for FTD but not for AD. Long-term use of selenium-containing dietary supplements was associated with increased OR for EOD and, particularly, for FTD. For both EOD forms, smoking and playing football showed an increased odds ratio, while cycling was associated with increased risk only in FTD. Overall sports practice appeared to be a protective factor for both types. Conclusions: Our results suggest a role of environmental and behavioral risk factors such as some chemical exposures and professional sports in EOD etiology, in particular with reference to FTD. Overall sports practice may be associated with a reduced EOD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Adani
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.A.); (T.F.); (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.A.); (T.F.); (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Caterina Garuti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.A.); (T.F.); (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcella Malavolti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.A.); (T.F.); (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Vinceti
- Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (G.V.); (G.Z.)
- Neurology Unit, Modena Policlinico-University Hospital, 41126 Modena, Italy; (M.T.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (G.V.); (G.Z.)
- Neurology Unit, Modena Policlinico-University Hospital, 41126 Modena, Italy; (M.T.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Manuela Tondelli
- Neurology Unit, Modena Policlinico-University Hospital, 41126 Modena, Italy; (M.T.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
- Primary Care Department, Modena Local Health Authority, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Galli
- Neurology Unit, Modena Policlinico-University Hospital, 41126 Modena, Italy; (M.T.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
- Primary Care Department, Modena Local Health Authority, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NeuroFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Costa
- Neurology Unit of Carpi Hospital, Modena Local Health Authority, 41012 Carpi, Italy;
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.A.); (T.F.); (C.G.); (M.M.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Annalisa Chiari
- Neurology Unit, Modena Policlinico-University Hospital, 41126 Modena, Italy; (M.T.); (C.G.); (A.C.)
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Costa LG, Cole TB, Dao K, Chang YC, Coburn J, Garrick JM. Effects of air pollution on the nervous system and its possible role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107523. [PMID: 32165138 PMCID: PMC7245732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent extensive evidence indicates that air pollution, in addition to causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, may also negatively affect the brain and contribute to central nervous system diseases. Air pollution is comprised of ambient particulate matter (PM) of different sizes, gases, organic compounds, and metals. An important contributor to PM is represented by traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust (DE). Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that exposure to air pollution may be associated with multiple adverse effects on the central nervous system. In addition to a variety of behavioral abnormalities, the most prominent effects caused by air pollution are oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation, which are seen in both humans and animals, and are supported by in vitro studies. Among factors which can affect neurotoxic outcomes, age is considered most relevant. Human and animal studies suggest that air pollution may cause developmental neurotoxicity, and may contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. In addition, air pollution exposure has been associated with increased expression of markers of neurodegenerative disease pathologies, such as alpha-synuclein or beta-amyloid, and may thus contribute to the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio G Costa
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Dept. of Medicine & Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
| | - Toby B Cole
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Khoi Dao
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Chang
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacki Coburn
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Garrick
- Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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7
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Pesticides, cognitive functions and dementia: A review. Toxicol Lett 2020; 326:31-51. [PMID: 32145396 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are widely-used chemicals commonly applied in agriculture for the protection of crops from pests. Depending on the class of pesticides, the specific substances may have a specific set of adverse effects on humans, especially in cases of acute poisoning. In past years, evidence regarding sequelae of chronic, low-level exposure has been accumulating. Cognitive impairment and dementia heavily affect a person's quality of life and scientific data has been hinting towards an association between them and antecedent chronic pesticide exposure. Here, we reviewed animal and human studies exploring the association between pesticide exposure, cognition and dementia. Additionally, we present potential mechanisms through which pesticides may act neurotoxically and lead to neurodegeneration. Study designs rarely presented homogeneity and the estimation of the exposure to pesticides has been most frequently performed without measuring the synergic effects and the possible interactions between the toxicants within mixtures, and also overlooking low exposures to environmental toxicants. It is possible that a Real-Life Risk Simulation approach would represent a robust alternative for future studies, so that the safe exposure limits and the net risk that pesticides confer to impaired cognitive function can be examined. Previous studies that evaluated the effect of low dose chronic exposure to mixtures of pesticides and other chemicals intending to simulate real life exposure scenarios showed that hormetic neurobehavioral effects can appear after mixture exposure at doses considered safe for individual compounds and these effects can be exacerbated by a coexistence with specific conditions such as vitamin deficiency. However, there is an overall indication, derived from both epidemiologic and laboratory evidence, supporting an association between exposure to neurotoxic pesticides and cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Letellier N, Choron G, Artaud F, Descatha A, Goldberg M, Zins M, Elbaz A, Berr C. Association between occupational solvent exposure and cognitive performance in the French CONSTANCES study. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:223-230. [PMID: 32075885 PMCID: PMC7079188 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to solvents and cognitive performance in middle-aged and early-ageing participants, taking into account the working environment. METHODS In the French Cohorte des consultants des Centres d'examens de santé (CONSTANCES) cohort, 41 854 participants aged 45-69 years completed a self-reported, lifetime occupational exposure questionnaire. Exposure to solvents (gasoline for hand washing, trichloroethylene, white spirit, cellulosic thinner) was first considered as a binary variable (exposed/not exposed). We computed number of solvent types to which participants were exposed, solvent exposure time and delay since last exposure. Cognitive performance was assessed and analysed in reference to norms of neuropsychological battery previously established in CONSTANCES according to age, sex and education. Multiple linear and modified Poisson regression were used to estimate the associations between solvent exposure and cognitive performance adjusting for individual and environmental characteristics, and working conditions (night shift, repetitive and noisy work). RESULTS Men had a greater risk of global cognitive impairment when they were exposed to gasoline (relative risk (RR)=1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22), white spirit (RR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.25) or cellulosic thinner (RR=1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.31) at the workplace, even after adjusting for confounders. Women exposed to white spirit or exposed for more than 20 years had poorer global cognitive performance. CONCLUSION These findings strengthen our understanding of the detrimental effect of solvent exposure on cognitive health not only in men but also in women for the first time, in a large general population middle-aged and early-ageing sample from France, taking into account working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Letellier
- Neuropsychiat Epidemiol & Clin Res, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Choron
- Neuropsychiat Epidemiol & Clin Res, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Univ Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France, Montpellier, France
| | - Fanny Artaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Villejuif, France
| | - Alexis Descatha
- INSERM, IRSET, ESTER Team, University of Angers, U1085, Angers, France.,INSERM, Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts Research Unit, UMS 011, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, INSERM, VIMA; Aging and Chronic Diseases, U1168, Villejuif, France
| | - Marcel Goldberg
- INSERM, Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts Research Unit, UMS 011, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Marie Zins
- INSERM, Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts Research Unit, UMS 011, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, INSERM, VIMA; Aging and Chronic Diseases, U1168, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Elbaz
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Villejuif, France
| | - C Berr
- Neuropsychiat Epidemiol & Clin Res, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Memory Research and Resources Center, Department of Neurology, Montpellier University Hospital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
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Dardiotis E, Siokas V, Moza S, Kosmidis MH, Vogiatzi C, Aloizou AM, Geronikola N, Ntanasi E, Zalonis I, Yannakoulia M, Scarmeas N, Hadjigeorgiou GM. Pesticide exposure and cognitive function: Results from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108632. [PMID: 31434017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results from studies to date, regarding the role of chronic pesticide exposure on cognitive function remain contradictory. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between self-reported pesticide exposure and cognitive function. METHODS Data from a population-based cohort study of older adults (HEllenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet) in Greece was used. Pesticide exposure classification was based on 1) living in areas that were being sprayed; 2) application of spray insecticides/pesticides in their gardens; and 3) occupational application of sprays. Associations between z-scores of cognitive performance and self-reported pesticide exposure were examined with linear regression analyses. Adjusted models were applied, for all analyses. RESULTS Non-demented individuals who reported that they had been living in areas near sprayed fields, had poorer neuropsychological performance, compared to those who had never lived in such areas. Sub-analyses revealed poorer performance in language, executive and visual-spatial functioning, and attention. These associations remained after a sensitivity analysis excluding subjects with mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION Self-reported exposure to pesticides was negatively associated with cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotiria Moza
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mary H Kosmidis
- Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Vogiatzi
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athina-Maria Aloizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Geronikola
- Athens Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Athens Day Care Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Ntanasi
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zalonis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Mary Yannakoulia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Scarmeas
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece; Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Zhu QB, Bao AM, Swaab D. Activation of the Brain to Postpone Dementia: A Concept Originating from Postmortem Human Brain Studies. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:253-266. [PMID: 30721394 PMCID: PMC6426905 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by decreased neuronal activity and atrophy, while hyperactivity of neurons seems to make them resistant to aging and neurodegeneration, a phenomenon which we have paraphrased as 'use it or lose it'. Our hypothesis proposes that (1) during their functioning, neurons are damaged; (2) accumulation of damage that is not repaired is the basis of aging; (3) the vulnerability to AD is determined by the genetic background and the balance between the amount of damage and the efficiency of repair, and (4) by stimulating the brain, repair mechanisms are stimulated and cognitive reserve is increased, resulting in a decreased rate of aging and risk for AD. Environmental stimulating factors such as bilingualism/multilingualism, education, occupation, musical experience, physical exercise, and leisure activities have been reported to reduce the risk of dementia and decrease the rate of cognitive decline, although methodological problems are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Bin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310020, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Dick Swaab
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and risk of Alzheimer disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:242-252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Paul KC, Jerrett M, Ritz B. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: Overlapping Biologic Mechanisms and Environmental Risk Factors. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 5:44-58. [PMID: 29464502 PMCID: PMC5931378 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A number of studies over the past two decades have suggested that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several common molecular pathways to cellular and metabolic dysfunction have been implicated in the etiology of both diseases. Here, we review the emerging evidence from observational studies that investigate the relationship between T2DM and AD, and of shared environmental risk factors, specifically air pollution and pesticides, associated with both chronic disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Particulate matter and traffic-related air pollution have been widely associated with T2DM, and multiple studies have associated exposures with AD or cognitive function. Organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate (OP) pesticides have been associated with T2DM in multiple independent populations. Two populations have observed increased risks for OC and OP exposures and AD. Other studies, limited in exposure assessment, have reported increased risk of AD with any pesticide exposure assessments. This may suggest shared pathogenic pathways between environmental risk factors, T2DM, and AD. Research focusing on exposures related to both T2DM and AD could provide new disease insights on shared mechanisms and help shape innovative preventative measures and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Environmental Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Pedersen C, Poulsen AH, Rod NH, Frei P, Hansen J, Grell K, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Schüz J, Johansen C. Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and risk for central nervous system disease: an update of a Danish cohort study among utility workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 90:619-628. [PMID: 28429106 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1224-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence of whether exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) is related to central nervous system diseases is inconsistent. This study updates a previous study of the incidence of such diseases in a large cohort of Danish utility workers by almost doubling the period of follow-up. METHODS We investigated the risks for dementia, motor neurone disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy among 32,006 men employed at the 99 utility companies that supplied Denmark with electricity during the period 1900-1993. Cases were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry and the cohort was followed during 1982-2010. Exposure was estimated from a job-exposure matrix based on company records of job title and area of work and cohort members were allocated to one of three categories (<0.1, 0.1-0.99 and ≥1.0 µT). RESULTS For dementia, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy the incidence rate ratios (IRR) were close to unity, but higher for motor neurone disease [IRR 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.79] and lower for Parkinson disease (IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.97) among workers exposed to ≥0.1 µT compared with the Danish population. For the highest level of exposure (≥1.0 µT), IRRs of 1.44, 1.78, 1.40 and 1.34 were observed for dementia, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We observed elevated risks of dementia, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy and lower risks of Parkinson disease in relation to exposure to ELF-MF in a large cohort of utility employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pedersen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Aslak Harbo Poulsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Social Medicine Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Patrizia Frei
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Grell
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Section of Environment and Radiation, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Christoffer Johansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Oncology Clinic, Finsen Centre, Rigshospitalet 5073, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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14
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Abstract
Research addressing social class and dementia has largely focused on measures of socioeconomic status as causal risk factors for dementia and in observed differences in diagnosis, treatment and care. This large body of work has produced important insights but also contains numerous problems and weaknesses. Research needs to take account of the ways in which ageing and social class have been transformed in tandem with the economic, social and cultural coordinates of late modernity. These changes have particular consequences for individual identities and social relations. With this in mind this article adopts a critical gaze on research that considers interactions between dementia and social class in three key areas: (i) epidemiological approaches to inequalities in risk (ii) the role of social class in diagnosis and treatment and (iii) class in the framing of care and access to care. Following this, the article considers studies of dementia and social class that focus on lay understandings and biographical accounts. Sociological insights in this field come from the view that dementia and social class are embedded in social relations. Thus, forms of distinction based on class relations may still play an important role in the lived experience of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Rees Jones
- Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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15
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Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Epidemiological and Experimental Evidence, and Potential Underlying Mechanisms. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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Batty GD, Galobardes B, Starr JM, Jeffreys M, Davey Smith G, Russ TC. Examining if being overweight really confers protection against dementia: Sixty-four year follow-up of participants in the Glasgow University alumni cohort study. J Negat Results Biomed 2016; 15:19. [PMID: 27802801 PMCID: PMC5090948 DOI: 10.1186/s12952-016-0062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent large-scale studies suggest that obesity and overweight may confer protection against future dementia. This observation could, however, be generated by reverse causality. That is, weight loss in the incipient phase of dementia ascribed to diminished self-care, including sub-optimal nutrition, would have the effect of generating such an inverse association. One approach to circumventing this problem would be to measure weight in a population which is young enough to be free of the symptoms of dementia which is then followed up for dementia occurrence over many decades. Methods In a prospective cohort study, body mass index, and other potential risk factors, were measured in 9547 male university undergraduates (mean age 20.5 years) in 1948–68 who were then linked to national mortality registers. Results Of 2537 deaths over a mean of 50.6 years follow up, 140 were ascribed to dementia. There was no association between overweight and future dementia deaths (age-adjusted hazard ratio; 95 % confidence interval: 0.93; 0.49, 1.79). Conclusion In this cohort study of former university students, being overweight in youth did not confer protection against later dementia death.
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Affiliation(s)
- G David Batty
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College, London, UK. .,Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Bruna Galobardes
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John M Starr
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mona Jeffreys
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tom C Russ
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Killin LOJ, Starr JM, Shiue IJ, Russ TC. Environmental risk factors for dementia: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2016; 16:175. [PMID: 27729011 PMCID: PMC5059894 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-016-0342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia risk reduction is a major and growing public health priority. While certain modifiable risk factors for dementia have been identified, there remains a substantial proportion of unexplained risk. There is evidence that environmental risk factors may explain some of this risk. Thus, we present the first comprehensive systematic review of environmental risk factors for dementia. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases from their inception to January 2016, bibliographies of review articles, and articles related to publically available environmental data. Articles were included if they examined the association between an environmental risk factor and dementia. Studies with another outcome (for example, cognition), a physiological measure of the exposure, case studies, animal studies, and studies of nutrition were excluded. Data were extracted from individual studies which were, in turn, appraised for methodological quality. The strength and consistency of the overall evidence for each risk factor identified was assessed. RESULTS We screened 4784 studies and included 60 in the review. Risk factors were considered in six categories: air quality, toxic heavy metals, other metals, other trace elements, occupational-related exposures, and miscellaneous environmental factors. Few studies took a life course approach. There is at least moderate evidence implicating the following risk factors: air pollution; aluminium; silicon; selenium; pesticides; vitamin D deficiency; and electric and magnetic fields. CONCLUSIONS Studies varied widely in size and quality and therefore we must be circumspect in our conclusions. Nevertheless, this extensive review suggests that future research could focus on a short list of environmental risk factors for dementia. Furthermore, further robust, longitudinal studies with repeated measures of environmental exposures are required to confirm these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis O. J. Killin
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network, NHS Scotland, Perth, UK
| | - John M. Starr
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ivy J. Shiue
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Tom C. Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Dementia Prevention, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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