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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
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Relationship between lead exposure and mild cognitive impairment.
C Fenga1, S Gangemi1, A Alibrandi2
1Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
|February 8, 2017
Summary
Even low-to-moderate long-term lead exposure can impair cognitive abilities in adults. This study found neurobehavioral deficits in workers exposed to lead levels previously considered safe.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- The neurobehavioral effects of chronic, low-to-moderate lead exposure in adults remain controversial.
- Current threshold values for lead exposure may not adequately protect against cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of long-term, low-to-moderate lead exposure on neurobehavioral functions in adults.
- To determine if lead exposure below current safety thresholds causes measurable deficits.
Main Methods:
- A neuropsychological assessment was conducted on 40 lead-exposed workers (mean blood lead 56.4 μg/dL) and 40 age-matched controls (mean blood lead 15.4 μg/dL).
- Tests included the Branches Alternate Movements Task (BAMT), Finger Tapping Speed (FT), Digit Span (DS), and Profile of Mood States (POMS).
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between exposed and control groups in tests assessing executive functions, short-term memory, and psycho-emotional states.
- Poisson regression analysis revealed that lead (Pb) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels significantly influenced tension, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusions:
- Lead exposure at levels previously deemed safe can lead to impairments in specific cognitive abilities in adults.
- These findings suggest that current lead exposure guidelines may need re-evaluation to protect against neurobehavioral deficits.
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