Led by Charles B. Hall, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology & Population Health at Montefiore Einstein, as principal investigator, Montefiore Einstein scientists are conducting a National Institute on Aging (NIA)/National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research study on Air Pollution and Cognitive Function as part of the Einstein Aging Study (EAS). Our research focuses on understanding how air pollution impacts cognitive function and overall brain health, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). By using a person-specific approach, we are investigating how factors such as exposure history, commuting patterns and lifestyle choices influence the effects of air pollution on brain health. 

The EAS, a longitudinal research study that focuses on the aging brain, is one of the longest running studies of its kind in the United States and has been a cornerstone of our department’s aging research with continuous funding by the NIH for more than 40 years. In this EAS subproject, we are collecting intensive longitudinal data from more than 700 older adults (60+ years) who complete digital cognitive tests five times per day and wear validated air quality monitors for fourteen days each year over a five-year period, offering valuable insights into the effects of sustained exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution on cognitive outcomes. We also intend to explore how chronic exposures are related to key blood-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration (such as Aβ42/40 ratio, phosphorylated tau—pTau, and neurofilament light—NfL). 

Our present and future work will continue to explore how evolving air quality and environmental factors interact with neurological processes at the individual level, as well as the association of air pollution exposure with social determinants of health. If we can establish an association of person-specific air pollution exposure with cognitive function, a biologic pathway for that association, and how social determinants modify the association, this may shed light on individual susceptibility and resilience to short- and long-term environmental stressors. This study could also help shape future public health strategies. 

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter air pollution is common in the U.S. and has been shown to be associated with higher levels of accumulated amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in the frontal cortex of the brain, increased inflammation, cardiovascular event risk, respiratory disease, cognitive changes and risk of ADRD. However, most research evaluating the health effects of air pollution has likely misclassified exposure, being based mainly on outdoor ambient air quality measurements and generally not addressing contributions from a variety of factors such as indoor air quality, daily life mobility, individual differences in exposure and contextual factors. 

At Montefiore Einstein, we’re committed to innovation in neurology and aging research and improving outcomes for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. We’re ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery according to U.S. News & World Report, and we are an international referral site for the most complex cases.

The $3.2 million five-year grant renewal, “Air Pollution and Cognitive Function,” is a subproject and part of the Einstein Aging Study, a $32 million five-year grant renewal for 2022-2027, funded by the NIA, part of the NIH. (Project Number: 5P01AG003949-40 8101)