# Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Neuropathologies and Exposures to Traffic Pollution Mixtures

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2024 · $132,381

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Related Dementias (ADRD) are a growing concern in our aging population. The
identification of modifiable risk factors is critical. Growing evidence links ADRD to traffic-related air pollution
(TRAP), a complex mixture of gasses and particles that includes ultrafine particles (UFP, ≤ 100 nm diameter),
black carbon (BC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants. The impact of TRAP
mixtures as a whole (vs individual pollutants) on ADRD, the most relevant pollutants, and critical
exposure periods, however, have not been identified to support future evidence-based interventions and
regulations. Moreover, most epidemiologic air pollution studies have investigated clinical cognitive outcomes;
few have investigated neuropathologic changes more closely tied to mechanisms. UFPs may have an
increased neurotoxic potential because of their small size. UFP health studies are limited because UFPs are
not regularly monitored, and they require novel monitoring techniques. The Adult Changes in Thought (ACT)
study is one of the largest, most extensive community-based autopsy cohorts in the world. My team previously
developed the first-of-their-kind, UFP/TRAP exposure surfaces using an innovative mobile monitoring design in
2019 for this cohort. I will apply my expertise in exposure science developing long-term TRAP models
and UFP monitoring campaigns along with new training in ADRD neuropathology, exposure mixtures,
and advanced epidemiologic methods to address the following important gaps. In Aim 1, I will evaluate
associations between exposures to UFP/TRAP mixtures and late-life ADRD neuropathological changes at
autopsy and determine whether these effects are magnified in women, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers, or
individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In Aim 2, I will collect additional UFP data and develop the first
long-term UFP exposure surfaces. In Aim 3, I will evaluate long-term UFP/TRAP exposures and ADRD
neuropathologies; identify the exposure periods that may be most relevant for the development of
neuropathologies; and address potential survival biases in autopsy studies – a concern that has received scant
epidemiologic attention but may be a concern when the exposure of interest (e.g., air pollution) increases risk
of death (i.e., autopsy) at younger ages when neuropathologies are naturally less severe. My training plan,
which consists of an excellent mentorship team of international experts, specific training goals, professional
development, and transition to independence will position me to successfully develop the skills and
experiences needed to lead this study. I will be uniquely qualified to develop a career independently leading
novel and original studies in the fields of ADRD neuropathologies and environmental exposure mixtures.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10864243
- **Project number:** 1K99AG086530-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Magali Nohemy Blanco
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $132,381
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10864243

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10864243, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Neuropathologies and Exposures to Traffic Pollution Mixtures (1K99AG086530-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10864243. Licensed CC0.

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