A study from the University of Aveiro published this Monday reveals that high levels of arsenic in the human body are associated with cognitive deficits in adults and the elderly.
“The greater the presence of arsenic (As) in the human body, the worse the cognitive performance,” concludes the study from the University of Aveiro (UA), which analyzed 76 individuals between the ages of 62 and 95, residing in several areas of the country.
Another relevant data from the study is the finding that the inhabitants of Interior Alentejo, near the old mining areas, “showed higher concentrations of arsenic and weaker cognitive performance, compared to individuals from the rest of the country.”
The participants underwent a cognitive screening and collection of a biological sample (hair), to analyze the concentrations of various elements.
After crossing biological data and neuropsychological data, it was found that higher concentrations of arsenic are associated with lower cognitive performance, this metal being the second most relevant predictor of cognitive performance, preceded only by education”, the study explains.
In the same study it is described that, since the recruited participants were residents of different geographical areas, a comparison was made between groups to assess the possibility of significant differences in terms of cognitive performance and concentrations of arsenic in the body.
“Effectively, the Inland Alentejo Group (GAI) exhibited higher As concentrations and weaker cognitive performance than the Centro Litoral Group (LCG), even after controlling for the effects of age and education”, underlines researcher Bianca Gerardo, from the University of Aveiro.
The Grupo Aentejo Interior “was made up of permanent residents of former mining areas associated with the Iberian Pyrite Belt, where lots of materials were exposed to the elements and released arsenic and other elements into the soil, water, and atmosphere.”
According to the researcher, these elements can enter the body through different routes, namely by inhaling dust, ingesting water and food, and absorbing dirt or dust particles through the skin.
The work, carried out within the framework of Bianca Gerardo’s PhD in Neuropsychology, aimed to study the effects of heavy metals and other potentially toxic elements on the cognitive performance of adults and the elderly.
The research was carried out within the scope of the project – “’Environmental exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements as a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia’”, together with professors Marina Cabral Pinto, Mário Simões and Sandra Freitas from the Unit of geobiotec research (Geobiosciences, Geoengineering and Geotechnologies) of the UA and CINEICC (Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention) of the University of Coimbra, in collaboration with the Green Chemistry Laboratory/Chemistry and Technology Network (LAVQ/REQUIMTE) from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto.
Source: Observadora
