# Role of air pollution and socioeconomic position on cognitive function over six years in the United States

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $45,520

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY (ABSTRACT)
Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders represent a huge public health and health care burden, prompting
innovative research of modifiable risk factors. The search for modifiable predictors of dementia has turned
towards environmental exposures. Prior research suggests air pollution accelerates cognitive decline in older
populations. But this research has major gaps. Few studies have used longitudinal measures, nor have they
been nationally-representative. Additionally, there's an urgent need for studies that more comprehensively
account for socioeconomic position (SEP). While it is known that cognitive outcomes vary by SEP, the joint
effect of air pollution and SEP remains largely unknown. Our study proposes to explore the impact of air
pollution (PM2.5) on cognitive decline, and the potential for interaction between air pollution and SEP.
Air pollution exposure varies by SEP; more disadvantaged individuals are exposed to more air pollution.
Accounting for SEP is important when evaluating the effects of air pollution on cognition. Further, we believe
that the effect of air pollution on cognition outcomes is different for those with high SEP compared to those with
lower SEP. I'm submitting my proposal for consideration in order to support my dissertation research, with the
overall goal of furthering study of environmental and social determinants of cognitive aging and dementia.
The overall objective of this application is to determine if and how air pollution and SEP influence cognitive
decline. My specific aims are as follows: Aim 1 assesses the relationship between air pollution and cognitive
level and decline in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Started in 2011, NHATS follows a
nationally-representative population of Medicare patients 65 years and older, with annual, in-person cognitive
assessments. By linking aerosol optical depth models estimating air pollution to individual-level NHATS data,
we can model long-term exposure to PM2.5 among NHATS participants. Aim 2 examines the joint effect of air
pollution and SEP on cognitive level and decline in NHATS. SEP will be measured as education, income,
financial strain, and neighborhood-SEP. Advanced statistical methods, including multi-level modeling of
individual and census-tract level change, will provide a strong basis for understanding effects of air pollution on
cognitive aging.
This study presents a timely opportunity to contribute to emerging literature on how environmental and social
exposures interact to shape cognitive function over time in older adults. Because policy reforms can potentially
target either or both environmental and social factors, the findings of this research proposal can inform
decision-making, benefitting those most likely affected. With the support of my terrific mentorship team—
experts in cognitive aging and dementia, social determinants of health, and air pollution exposure—this
proposal will contribute to predictors...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9991600
- **Project number:** 5F31AG063490-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristina Van Dang
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $45,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9991600

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9991600, Role of air pollution and socioeconomic position on cognitive function over six years in the United States (5F31AG063490-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9991600. Licensed CC0.

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