Air pollution, light at night and greenness and risk of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases
Andrea REBECCHI (docente coordinatore), Daniele FANZINI
Andrea REBECCHI (docente coordinatore), Daniele FANZINI
Given the recent availability of environmental data, studying the link between environmental factors and human health is crucial for epidemiological research. The project examines the relationship between environmental factors (e.g., outdoor air pollutants, nighttime lighting, green spaces) and neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases (ALS and ASD), which are increasing in incidence worldwide.
The main objectives are:
– assessing satellite-derived digital databases for environmental pollutants and green space quality;
– merging and validating data with terrestrial sources;
– modeling small-area air pollution;
– conducting two case studies in Modena (530 ALS patients, 2120 controls) and Catania (200 ASD cases, 800 controls);
– using a geographic information system to assess environmental exposures near residences;
– defining exposure data using satellite and terrestrial sources;
– analyzing associations between environmental exposures and disease risk using natural cubic splines and logistic regression models;
– considering potential confounders and effect modifiers like education, status, age, sex, disease subtypes, and gene mutations.
DABC role
The POLIMI Research Unit – Design&Health Lab. DABC – will offer a nationwide unique expertise in the field of green spaces and infrastructures mapping and characterization, thus allowing to interpret which characteristics of the green spaces in the study area (tree canopy, accessibility and use of the green, type of vegetation), related social interactions, and individual uses may be relevant to decrease dementia risk.
Design&Health Lab. DABC will offer a contribution in assessing how the green spaces and infrastructures surrounding study participants’ residences can be actually accessed and used by the participants, going beyond the simple extension of such green areas in the proximity of the subjects, and also taking into account the social and psychological implications of such accessibility.
Those key contribution will allow to shift the focus from the usual concept of green spaces around the individual residences towards the green spaces accessibility and characteristics, in order to assess which specific factors related to green space (increased Physical Activity? Decreased stress and air pollution? Changes in social interactions? Psychological factors?) relevant in disease etiology and prevention.
Partners
Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia (coordinator), Università degli Studi di Catania