Harmful impact of blood lead on the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among middle-aged and older adults and the modifying role of physical activity: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health challenge. This study aims to explore the combined effects of blood lead levels (BLL) and physical activity (PA) on AD prevalence among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

A total of 13,426 middle-aged and older adults (57.8% over 60 years old; 49.7% males) were included. Firth's penalized logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

High blood lead level (High-BLL) was associated with an 86.7% increase in AD prevalence. For PA levels, engaging in sufficiently active PA was associated with a 72% reduction in AD prevalence. In addition, the combination of sufficiently active PA with high-BLL, moderate blood lead level (Moderate-BLL), or low blood lead level (Low-BLL) was associat

SUBMITTER: Dong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12598405 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature