Association between environmental mold exposure and mild cognitive impairment in older adults: a case-control study

Raquel Rivera-Carvajal1, Diana Carolina Tiga-Loza1, D Jimena Roncancio2

  • 1Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Doctorado en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Investigación MASIRA, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Abstract

Insights

Indoor mold exposure, particularly nasal irritation, is linked to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) in older adults. Higher indoor temperatures and frequent cleaning may offer protection against cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Cognitive disorders are increasingly linked to environmental factors, including mold exposure.
  • Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to significant indoor time and potential household mold contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between indoor environmental mold exposure and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) in older adults.
  • To identify specific mold species and environmental factors contributing to cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 60 cases of aMCI and 60 matched controls.
  • Data collection included housing assessments (DMAT), Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms, air/serum mold analysis, and environmental monitoring (CO2, humidity, temperature).

Main Results:

  • aMCI was significantly associated with SBS-related nasal irritation (OR = 5.84).
  • Presence of *Fusarium* spp. in kitchens (OR = 3.86) and diabetes mellitus showed non-significant positive associations with aMCI.
  • Higher indoor temperature and frequent cleaning suggested a protective trend against aMCI.

Conclusions:

  • Indoor nasal irritation is a significant risk factor for aMCI in older adults.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the role of *Fusarium* spp. and other environmental exposures in cognitive decline.
  • Residential environmental factors warrant closer examination for their impact on cognitive health in aging populations.

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...