The Association between Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and MRI-Assessed Locus Coeruleus Integrity in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increased exposure to ambient air pollution, especially fine particulate matter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5) is associated with poorer brain health and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. The locus coeruleus (LC), located in the brainstem, is one of the earliest regions affected by tau pathology seen in AD. Its diffuse projections throughout the brain include afferents to olfactory areas that are hypothesized conduits of cerebral particle deposition. Additionally, extensive contact of the LC with the cerebrovascular system may present an additional route of exposure to environmental toxicants.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate if exposure to PM2.5 was associated with LC integrity in a nationwide sample of men in early old age, potentially repre

SUBMITTER: Puckett OK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11259243 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature