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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

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.

Frontiers in Public Health
|July 28, 2026
PubMed
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.
Keywords:
cognitive declinedampness and mold assessment toolenvironmental assessmentenvironmental moldsindoor air qualityindoor dampnessolder adultssick building syndrome

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