Year: 2025
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Objectives: As the aging population grows, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) present a major public health challenge. Environmental noise, linked to stress and sleep disruption, may increase ADRD risk. We aimed to summarize the research literature on long-term noise exposure and ADRD. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the association of long-term (≥1 year) noise exposure and ADRD assessed with standardized diagnostic criteria. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Eligible studies reported hazard ratios (HR) or similar effect estimates with confidence intervals. Results: A multilevel random-effects meta-analysis of six longitudinal studies using 13 effect sizes found a significant association between long-term noise exposure and incident ADRD (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03-1.28). Interaction effects between noise source and dementia subtype were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Long-term noise exposure may contribute to ADRD risk. Heterogeneity between studies highlights the need for standardized exposure assessment and consideration of other environmental factors. Future research should include the exposome approach for identifying environmental drivers of dementia.
Source: Public health reviews
Language: English
Topic: Noise Effects and Management
Subfield: Speech and Hearing
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,389
Awards: Air Particulate Pollution and Stress: Effects and Mechanisms for Long-term Maternal Obesity Risks, G110853705, G3850548428, G3881485945, Harvard Chan School NIEHS Center for Environmental Health, G9000008345, G9000014778, G9000185558, Mount Sinai Center for Health and Environment Across the LifeSpan (HEALS), Enhancing Independence in Elders with Serious Illness
OpenAlex ID: W4411325595