Traffic air pollution and its link to Alzheimer's and related dementias
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Neuropathologies and Exposures to Traffic Pollution Mixtures
This work looks at whether long-term exposure to traffic pollution mixtures — including ultrafine particles, black carbon, NOx, and PM2.5 — is tied to brain changes linked to Alzheimer's in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11379335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research that connects people's long-term traffic pollution exposure to detailed brain findings from the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) autopsy cohort. The team uses mobile monitoring and exposure models to estimate past levels of ultrafine particles, black carbon, NOx, and PM2.5 at participants' addresses. Researchers then compare those exposure estimates to neuropathologic measures tied to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify which pollutants and time periods matter most. The goal is to find modifiable pollution sources or exposure windows that might help prevent or delay dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults enrolled in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) cohort or people willing to contribute clinical data and brain donation with long-term address histories near traffic.
Not a fit: Younger people, those without long-term residential or exposure data, or individuals not part of the ACT autopsy program are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific traffic pollutants and exposure periods to target with public health actions or policies to lower dementia risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous population studies have linked traffic pollution to higher dementia risk, but connecting detailed pollution mixtures and ultrafine particles to neuropathology is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanco, Magali Nohemy — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Blanco, Magali Nohemy
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.