Mexique

Growing up with pollution: Neurocognitive development in Mexico City children

Le sommaire ci-dessous est présenté dans la langue de la demande soumis par les demandeurs du concours SCR-CALA.

Exposure of clinically healthy children and teens to severe urban air pollution produces neuroinflammation and altered patterns of brain growth, accompanied by cognition deficits. Our proposal focus on the study of three cohorts of 8 year old children with extreme air pollution exposures (Mexico City cohorts South and North, total n: 80 children) and control children (n: 40).

We are applying a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to pinpoint exactly what are the cognitive processes affected in the highly exposed Mexico City children versus the control children. In particular, we will use measurements of selective and divided attention, concentration, working memory, delayed recall and retention, visual memory, spatial memory and episodic memory. Our results will serve as a baseline to be followed up with neuroimaging and systemic inflammation bio markers. In turn, this will allow us to expand the study in a future longitudinal follow up and request support from Canada and Mexico granting institutions.

The issue of air pollution causing cognitive impairment in children and teens is of major health public importance. With millions of exposed children at risk, our cognitive studies will expand our understanding of how environmental toxicants interact to influence children’s cognitive performance. Such knowledge will be critical for the development of high level health policies and the implementation of nutritional neuroprotective strategies that will limit the risk for development of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s in high risk pediatric groups.