How air pollution affects brain function in teenagers
Particle Pollution Impact on Prefrontal Cortex Function During Adolescence
This study is looking at how breathing in air pollution might affect the brains of teenagers, especially in areas that help with thinking and emotions, to better understand how this could be linked to mental health issues that often start during these years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez, Incorporado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carolina, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to particle pollution impacts brain function during adolescence, particularly focusing on the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional regulation. The study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects and their potential link to mental health disorders that often emerge during this developmental stage. By examining the neurocognitive outcomes associated with air pollution, the research seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding the vulnerability of adolescents to environmental toxins. Participants may undergo assessments to evaluate cognitive function and mental health in relation to their exposure to air pollution.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be exposed to varying levels of air pollution.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those with pre-existing severe mental health conditions unrelated to environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for mental health disorders linked to air pollution in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between air pollution and cognitive impairments, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Carolina, United States
- Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez, Incorporado — Carolina, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendez, Loyda Beatriz — Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez, Incorporado
- Study coordinator: Mendez, Loyda Beatriz
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.