Association of environmental exposome and cognitive function among older adults with and without preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Kenan Li, Enbal Shacham, David Brown, Matthew Blake, Yiqi Zhu, Jean‐Francois Trani, Ganesh M. Babulal
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sociodemographic predictors are established risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), a leading cause of cognitive decline. This study examines the influence of environmental exposures like walkability, green space, and light pollution among older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis examined associations between walkability, green space, tree canopy, light pollution, and cognitive functioning among participants with and without preclinical AD based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) assessed their impact on cognitive performance, controlling for sex and race as categorical covariates, with age and education included as continuous variables modeled using smooth functions. RESULTS: Walkability, green space, and tree canopy were significantly associated with better cognitive performance, while light pollution negatively impacted cognition. Biomarker positivity was not a significant predictor. DISCUSSION: Our findings highlight the crucial role of environmental exposures on cognition, suggesting that urban design and environmental quality influence cognitive trajectories in older adults, regardless of biomarker status. HIGHLIGHTS: Walkability, green space, and tree canopy improve cognitive performance. Light pollution is linked to lower cognitive function in older adults. Biomarker positivity was not a significant predictor of cognitive outcomes. Urban design plays a key role in cognitive health and Alzheimer's risk.