Highways and Cognitive Health in Older Mexican Americans
Author Information
Author(s): Milani Sadaf, Meza Erika, Carrion Carmen, Meier Helen, Zahodne Laura
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Hypothesis
Is there a link between exposure to highways and cognitive performance among older Mexican Americans?
Conclusion
Living near more highways is linked to worse cognitive function in older Mexican Americans.
Supporting Evidence
- Residing in areas with more highways is associated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores.
- ADL limitations mediated 40% of the relationship between highway exposure and cognitive scores.
Takeaway
Older people who live near busy roads might have a harder time thinking clearly. This study looked at how this happens.
Methodology
The study used path analysis to examine the relationship between highway exposure and cognitive function, considering various mediators.
Limitations
The study is limited to older Mexican Americans and may not generalize to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Mexican Americans aged 75 and older, with an average age of 81.5 years, and 61.2% were female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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