Open AccessPutting Fine Particulate Matter and Dementia in the Wider Context of Noncommunicable Disease: Where are We Now and What Should We Do Next: A Systematic Review
Author(s) -
Ruth Peters,
Ian Mudway,
Andrew Booth,
Jean Peters,
Kaarin J. Anstey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
neuroepidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.217
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1423-0208
pISSN - 0251-5350
DOI - 10.1159/000515394
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , context (archaeology) , epidemiology , risk factor , cognitive decline , environmental health , gerontology , epidemiological transition , disease , population , pathology , geography , archaeology
A significant proportion of the global population regularly experience air quality poorer than that recommended by the World Health Organization. Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), is a risk factor for various noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and is emerging as a risk factor for dementia. To begin to understand the full impact of PM 2.5 , we review the longitudinal epidemiological evidence linking PM 2.5 to both dementia and to other leading NCDs and highlight the evidence gaps. Our objective was to systematically review the current epidemiological evidence for PM 2.5 as a risk factor for cognitive decline and incident dementia and to put this in context with a systematic overview of PM 2.5 as a potential risk factor in other leading NCDs. Methods: We performed 2 systematic reviews. A high-level review of reviews examining the relationship between PM 2.5 and leading NCDs and an in-depth review of the longitudinal epidemiological data examining relationships between PM 2.5 incident dementia and cognitive decline. Results: There were robust associations between PM 2.5 and NCDs although in some cases the evidence was concentrated on short rather than longer term exposure. For those articles reporting on incident dementia, all reported on longer term exposure and 5 of the 7 eligible articles found PM 2.5 to be associated with increased risk. Conclusion: The evidence base for PM 2.5 as a risk factor for dementia is growing. It is not yet as strong as that for other NCDs. However, varied measurement/methodology hampers clarity across the field. We propose next steps.