Relationship between Traffic Related Air Pollutants and Cognitive Function among Elderly in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment is a major health issue particularly with the increasing aging population. There are around 47.5 million dementia cases globally. Traffic air pollution issue is a chief environmental problem principally in the mega cities such as Cairo. Methodology: In a Cross sectional and comparative research study the study subjects recruited involved 200 individuals, categorized into two research groups: 100 from Cairo’s elderly home residents and 100 from EL-Gharbaya’s elderly home residents. Results: Statistical linear regression analysis revealed that fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide have a statistically significant impact on cognitive function (p values < 0.001) (shown in Table 4). Conclusions: Traffic related air pollutants were strongly associated with cognitive impairment within elderly population in geriatric home residents in Egypt. Regarding to statistically significant difference in concentration of traffic related air pollutants between urban and rural areas, urban areas were more polluted than rural areas.