Relationship between Traffic Related air Pollutants and Cognitive Function among Elderly in Egypt

Abstract

lder people make up a large and increasing percentage of the population. This increase has an important effect on the mental health of older people. Cognitive impairment is considered as major problem for many elderly as it has a negative effect on function state of elderly, increase morbidity, and suffering of older people and their families, and incur serious physical, psychological and financial consequences to patient and also to the society. Air pollution has a harmful effect on human health, it has an effect on cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological system. With increase urbanization, elderly exposed to air pollution increase. Despite the importance and magnitude of this problem there is a rarity of studies that determine the impact of traffic related air pollution on elderly health state. This study was conducted to Assess relationship between exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and cognitive function in elderly at geriatric homes in Egypt and also compare between cognitive function in elderly exposed to high and low air pollutants.