Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Supervisor

Hachinski, Vladimir

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

2nd Supervisor

Martin, Janet

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Objective. To estimate the risk of dementia in association with exposure to air pollutants.

Methods. Six databases were searched. Cohort studies that reported the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia in association with exposure to air pollutants in adults > 40y were included. For all meta-analyses, the random-effects model was used.

Results. A total of 16 and 13 studies were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis, respectively. Risk of dementia increased by 4% per 1μg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter level (HR, 1.04; 95%CI, [1.02, 1.06]), which was statistically significant. The risk of dementia increased by 3% per 10μg/m3 increase in nitrogen oxides level (HR, 1.03; 95%CI, [0.98, 1.08]), and by 3% per 10μg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide level (HR, 1.03; 95%CI, [1.00, 1.07]); however, the associations were not statistically significant

Conclusion. This meta-analysis indicates a significant association between exposure to fine particulate matter and incidence of dementia.

Summary for Lay Audience

Objective. To estimate the risk of dementia in association with exposure to air pollutants.

Methods. Six databases were searched for long-term studies. Those that reported the risk of dementia in association to exposure to air pollutants in adults who were older than 40 years of age were included, and analyses of similar studies were conducted

Results. A total of 13 studies were included in the analyses of similar studies. The risk of dementia increased by 4% per 1μg/m3 increase in fine particles level, which was statistically significant. The risk of dementia increased by 3% per 10μg/m3 increase in nitrogen oxides level, and by 3% per 10μg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide level; however, the associations were not statistically significant

Conclusion. The analysis of similar studies indicates a significant association between exposure to fine particulate matter and incidence of dementia.

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