Lillian Xiao
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Rachel Bergmans, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Institute for Social Research,
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 1 (10am-10:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 10
Presenter: 6
Abstract
Background: Poor air quality can have negative consequences for multiple organ systems throughout the body with some of the most severe effects linked to PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter = 2.5 µm). Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are key biological mechanisms by which PM2.5 exposure is believed to influence health, and also interact with the central nervous system and brain. However, the impact of PM2.5 on common neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions of depression and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is not well established. Objectives: The goal of this project was to review existing literature in order to determine the potential for PM2.5 to contribute to depressive disorders and ADRD. Exposure of Interest: PM2.5 Outcome of Interest: Depressive disorders and ADRD Methods: Using the electronic database PubMed, relevant articles were searched using keywords and medical subject headings, such as particulate matter, depressive disorder, and dementia. Review papers and animal studies were excluded. Results: A majority of reviewed papers indicated an association of PM2.5 with depressive disorders and ADRD. For instance, Laccarino et al. (2021) reported that higher residential concentrations of PM2.5 were related to greater amyloid-ß deposition among older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Additionally, Petkus et al. (2021) reported that higher residential concentrations of PM2.5 were associated with more depressive symptoms among older women. Conclusions: Overall, evidence indicated that PM2.5 exposure contributes to depressive disorders and ADRD, thus policies targeting PM2.5 exposure may have mental health benefits. Evidence also suggests that there may be certain subpopulations who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of PM2.5 on mental health, for example, those with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease. Given that exposure to PM2.5 often occurs in the presence of other air pollutants, future research should also consider the role of pollutant mixtures.
Authors: Lillian Xiao, Rachel Bergmans
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research
