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Longitudinal evidence on the relationship between air pollutants, sarcopenia, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: findings from the CHARLS cohort

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background The impact of air pollutants on cognitive aging remains uncertain. This study investigates whether sarcopenia mediates the association of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM10) with cognitive decline.Methods Using data from adults (≥45 years) in the 2015 and 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) waves, we employed linear regression, mediation, and restricted cubic spline analyses to assess the associations of air pollutants and sarcopenia with cognitive function (measured by mental status and episodic memory), controlling for confounders.Results O3, NO2, PM10, and sarcopenia demonstrated significant negative associations with cognitive function (all β < 0, all 95% CI excluded 0, all P < 0.05). Sarcopenia mediated 12.79% and 6.65% of the effect of PM10 and O3, respectively. Subgroup analyses identified sex and marital status as significant effect modifiers.Conclusions O3, NO2, PM10, and sarcopenia were negatively associated with cognitive function. Sarcopenia partially mediated the effects of O3 and PM10.

Source: The Aging Male

DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2025.2590251

Authors: Hong Ding, Lei Li, Laiguo Han, Cong Xu

Institutions: Bengbu Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Dali University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,557