Association between air pollution and cognitive function in the elderly / 中华预防医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Cognition disorders is one of the most important factors affecting the elderly. Impaired cognitive function caused by the elderly daily self-care ability decreased, the elderly in China cause serious social, psychological and economic burden. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on main air pollutants(SO2, NO2, CO, PM2.5 and PM10, black carbon)and cognitive function in elderly. The study found that exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter, is associated with cognitive disorders n in the elderly. However, the existence of such correlations requires reasonable physiological mechanisms. Future studies also require a large number of longitudinal cohorts to investigate air pollution in association with cognitive impairment . There is a need for parallel toxicological and epidemiological studies to elucidate mechanisms and pathways of action.