How air pollution affects memory and thinking
Air Pollution and Cognitive Function
Looking at whether breathing polluted air is linked to memory loss and thinking problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would carry a small wearable sensor that measures fine particle pollution as you go about your day so researchers can capture your personal exposure both indoors and outdoors. Researchers will link those exposure readings to brief memory and thinking tests done over time, and some participants may provide blood samples or undergo brain imaging or long-term follow-up to look for Alzheimer’s markers. The team will account for smoking, heating sources, time spent indoors, and neighborhood differences to get a clearer picture of true exposure. The goal is to connect real-world, person-level pollution exposure with early brain changes and declines in thinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults, particularly those living in areas with higher air pollution or who have Alzheimer's risk factors (for example, APOE-ε4), would be the best fit for participation.
Not a fit: People living in areas with very low air pollution or those without memory concerns may receive little direct benefit from the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal practical ways to reduce pollution exposure that might lower the risk or slow the progression of cognitive decline and dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked higher air pollution to more brain amyloid/tau and worse cognitive scores, but using wearable personal sensors to measure exposure is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Charles B — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hall, Charles B
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.