Exposure to ambient PM concentrations and cognitive function among older Mexican adults.

Background: Recent epidemiological research has shown that exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM) is associated with a reduction in cognitive function in older adults. However, primary evidence comes from high-income countries, and no specific studies have been conducted in low and middle-income countries where higher air pollution levels exist.

Objectives: To estimate the association between the exposure to PM and cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of older Mexican adults and the associated effect modifiers.

Methods: Data for this study were taken from the National Survey of Health and Nutrition in Mexico carried out in 2012. A total of 7986 older adults composed the analytical sample. Cognitive function was assessed using two tests: semantic verbal fluency and three-word memory. The annual concentration of PM was calculated using satellite data. Association between exposure to PM and cognitive function was estimated using two-level logistic and linear regression models.

Results: In adjusted multilevel regression models, each 10 μg/m increase in ambient PM raised the odds of a poorer cognitive function using the three-word memory test (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.74), and reduced the number of valid animal named in the verbal fluency test (β = -0.72, 95% CI: -1.05, -0.40). Stratified analyses did not yield any significant modification effects of age, sex, indoor pollution, urban/rural dwelling, education, smoking and other factors.

Conclusions: This study supports an association between exposure to PM concentrations and cognitive function in older adults. This is particularly relevant to low- and middle-income countries, which are marked by a rapid growth of their aging population and high levels of air pollution.