Rural Roads to cognitive Resilience (RRR): A prospective cohort study protocol

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Sociology

Background:

• Ambient air pollution, adverse environments, social isolation (SI), low socioeconomic status (SES), and rural residence are linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• Research is needed on how air pollution and built/social environments influence SI and cognitive decline in rural, disadvantaged, ethnic minority communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from agricultural burning on SI and cognitive function.
• To determine the effects of built and social environments on SI and cognitive function.
• To contextualize SI and cognitive function across ethnoracial groups during burn and non-burn seasons.

Main Methods:

• Recruit 1,087 community-dwelling, dementia-free adults (≥45 years) in rural Florida.
• Conduct 36-month follow-ups with cognitive function and SI assessments every 6 months.
• Utilize smartwatches, ecological momentary assessments (EMA), and PurpleAir monitors for PM2.5 data.

Main Results:

• Analysis of PM2.5 exposure effects on SI and cognitive function.
• Assessment of built and social environment influences on SI and cognitive function.
• Comparison of SI and cognitive function across ethnoracial groups and seasons.

Conclusions:

• Identify individual and community factors contributing to SI and cognitive decline risk.
• Inform targeted interventions for vulnerable rural populations facing environmental and social challenges.