Abstract
The general population is exposed to numerous environmental pollutants, and it remains unclear which pollutants affect the brain, accelerating brain aging and increasing the risk of dementia. The Environmental-Pollution-Induced Neurological Effects study is a multi-city prospective cohort study aiming to comprehensively investigate the effect of different environmental pollutants on brain structures, neuropsychological function, and the development of dementia in adults. The baseline data of 3,775 healthy elderly people were collected from August 2014 to March 2018. The eligibility criteria were age ≥50 years and no self-reported history of dementia, movement disorders, or stroke. The assessment included demographics and anthropometrics, laboratory test results, and individual levels of exposure to air pollution. A neuroimaging sub-cohort was also recruited with 1,022 participants during the same period, and brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests were conducted. The first follow-up environmental pollutant measurements will start in 2022 and the follow-up for the sub-cohort will be conducted every 3-4 years. We have found that subtle structural changes in the brain may be induced by exposure to airborne pollutants such as particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (PM10), particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) and Mn10, manganese in PM10; Mn2.5, manganese in PM2.5. PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide in healthy adults. This study provides a basis for research involving large-scale, long-term neuroimaging assessments in community-based populations.
Highlights
Dementia—including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease dementia, and vascular dementia—is a global health challenge of increasing importance, as 40-50 million people are currently diagnosed with it [1,2,3]
A 2014 survey revealed a 9.2% prevalence of dementia among Korean older adults; the age-specific prevalence of dementia doubled with a 5.8-year increase in age [8]
Jang H et al : Cohort profile: multicenter Environmental-Pollution-Induced Neurological EFfects (EPINEF) cohort study miology Study (KoGES) in Gangwha [10], the Korean Urban Rural Elderly cohort in Seoul [11], the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort in Seoul [12], and the Seoul incinerator cohort [13]
Summary
Dementia—including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease dementia, and vascular dementia—is a global health challenge of increasing importance, as 40-50 million people are currently diagnosed with it [1,2,3]. This condition leads to overwhelming national, societal, and familial burdens due to the long course of its progression and demand for continuing care. A cohort study designed to comprehensively investigate various environmental pollutants and their effects on the long course of neurodegeneration, from preclinical brain structural changes to overt cognitive decline and dementia, is warranted. The study may contribute to the improvement of public health policies by presenting guidelines for the management of neurological diseases that reflect the peculiarities of dementia and exposure sectors
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