Polluting cooking fuel users may be at a higher risk of cognitive impairment finds study in Karnataka
Highlighting the need for policies promoting the adoption of clean cooking fuel/technology, the study found that rural females, who tend to be more exposed than males, could have greater vulnerability to household air pollution's (HAP) adverse effects on the brain.
A team of researchers from the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and University of Chicago, United States, used baseline data from participants of the ongoing prospective cohort study, Centre for Brain Research - Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence, and COGnition (CBR-SANSCOG). Data was collected between January 2018 and December 2023. Under the CBR-SANSCOG cohort, adults aged over 45 years from the villages of Srinivaspura taluk in Kolar district of Karnataka were recruited. Of the sample size of 4,145 adults, as many as 994 participants who passed the MRI quality control were included in the MRI analysis.
Household air pollution
HAP is a specific type of indoor air pollution, which primarily results from the use of polluting cooking technology - coal stoves, biomass stoves, chullahs (earthen stoves) and polluting fuels such as firewood, cow dung cake, coal, lignite or charcoal, and kerosene, in and around the house, leading to the production of gaseous toxins.
While HAP from polluting cooking fuels, a rampant issue in rural India, is suspected to be a significant modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment, evidence supported by neuroimaging in this population was lacking.
'Our study aimed to explore the relationship between polluting cooking technology, as a proxy for HAP, and cognitive performance, and brain morphology in the Srinivaspura cohort. We hypothesised that HAP exposure is associated with poorer cognitive performance and adverse brain morphology in this population. We also examined how factors such as age and sex affected this association and complemented our findings with insights from structural brain MRI,' one of the authors from the CBR team told The Hindu.
Cognitive functions
According to the study, only polluting cooking technology users had significantly lower scores in global cognition, visuospatial ability and executive functions, whereas at least one polluting cooking technology user had lower scores in global cognition only, compared to the clean cooking technology users.
'This study noted significantly poorer performance in global and domain-specific cognitive functions among polluting cooking technology users. Moreover, polluting cooking technology use was significantly associated with lower hippocampus volumes in females, the region which is primarily implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology,' the CBR team said.
'When solid fuels are burned indoors for cooking, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, air pollutants like oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and suspended particulate matter are released. These pollutants have been implicated in adversely affecting brain health via different mechanisms. The primary mechanisms may be related to inflammation and oxidative stress, wherein ultrafine air pollutants affect the brain directly by entering the brain through the olfactory bulb or by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB),' the study noted.
The impact of household air pollution on health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.2 million premature deaths occurred worldwide from illnesses attributed to HAP as of 2020. These include ischaemic heart disease, stroke and chronic pulmonary conditions. In India, as of 2019, 0.81 million deaths were attributed to HAP.
The 2019–21 National Family Health Survey-5 reported that 41.4% of households in India lacked access to clean cooking fuels. This disparity was more pronounced in rural areas, wherein 56.8% of households utilised polluting cooking fuels, compared to 10.3% in urban areas.
In Karnataka, 30.7% of rural households relied on unclean cooking fuel in 2019–20. A 2017 nationwide study found that deaths and DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) due to HAP in Karnataka were significantly higher than those caused by ambient particulate matter pollution, contrasting with the trends in most other States.
Modifiable risk factor
While a large body of evidence exists documenting the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular and pulmonary health, its impact on cognition and brain health is only recently being explored. Besides the well-recognised risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as age, genetic predisposition, and cardiovascular diseases, increasing evidence suggests that air pollution is a modifiable risk factor.
'Our study echoes the findings from a harmonised analysis of ageing studies across India, China and Mexico that revealed poorer cognitive function among polluting cooking fuel users. It is among the first few studies to produce findings specific to a rural Indian setting. Recent findings from cross-sectional data of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) showed that HAP was negatively associated with cognitive functioning among rural residents, particularly in older rural women. Another study among rural adults in South India found a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment among polluting cooking fuel users,' the study added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Joint pain in corporate millennials: Why early diagnosis matters
In the current world where everything is digital-centric, the corporate working millennials spend more hours than ever before in front of the screens, their bodies immobile in chairs with minimal movement. Technology has resulted in efficiency in work, but at the same time given rise to the development of musculoskeletal conditions in silence; pains in the joints largely. As opposed to the previous generations, the present millennials have grown up with smartphones and computers, and at their late 20s or early 30s, they already face problems that previously were considered age-related. Even with ideal posture, your office chair is quietly stealing years from your life. The human body simply isn't designed to sit 8-10 hours a day. Long stretches of immobility decrease blood circulation, constrict fascia (the muscle enveloping tissue), and maintain the nervous system on edge, increasingly becoming your new normal. That's why most millennials rise stiff, feel exhausted in the middle of the day, and have backaches come evening, not because they're getting older, but because they're immobile too much. Why is Joint Pain on the Rise Among Millennials? The core issues lie in repetitive physical stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and poorly designed workspaces. Long hours spent hunched over laptops or desks put immense pressure on the spine, shoulders, and wrists. Combine this with non-stop typing, mouse work, and minimal breaks, and the result is inflammation, nerve compression, and muscle fatigue. Piling on the problem is the absence of exercise and mental stress, all of which are contributors to weakened joints and muscles such that the body is more susceptible to strain and injury even if only slight effort is exerted. Joint Problems in the Corporate Setting Neck and Backache: Inappropriate posture and constant sitting can lead to disc herniation (slipped disc), which presses spinal nerves and causes pain to radiate to arms and legs. Shoulder Pain: Overhead repetitive activity or typing can cause shoulder tendinosis, where shoulder tendons are inflamed. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Repetitive typing can compress the median nerve at the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and finger weakness. Trigger Finger: Mouse overuse can result in tendon inflammation in fingers, causing stiffness or locking. Why early diagnosis is crucial? Too often overlooked as ordinary tiredness or work-related stress, these symptoms, if left alone, can become long-term issues. If these symptoms are not correctly diagnosed and treated, they may develop into a long-term condition. Early diagnosis, though, allows problems with such things as nerve impingement or soft tissue injury to be caught and addressed before they become major issues. MRI scans are good at detecting slipped discs, tendonitis, and nerve compressions. Early diagnosis translates to most conditions being addressed with non-surgical interventions such as physiotherapy, posture correction, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Delay can result in chronic pain or surgical intervention. Solutions and Prevention Ergonomic Workstations: Utilize chairs with lumbar support, have screens at eye level, and maintain neutral wrist alignment. Take Movement Breaks: Stand up, stretch, or walk for a short while every 30-60 minutes to release tension and enhance circulation. Stretch Frequently: Stretch for 5 minutes every 2 hours of sitting to release tension and re-activate muscles. Mobility Work: Include 15 minutes of minimal mobility exercises at the end of your day to unload your joints. Make Movement a Habit: It doesn't have to be hard, just routine. Moving every day keeps the body aligned and pain-free. Apply Health Tech: Posture apps, fitness trackers, or teleconsultations can aid your joint health journey. Corporate Wellness Programs: Employers should provide ergonomic training, periodic health check-ups, and joint care awareness sessions. In the hurry to beat the clock, millennials tend to overlook the gentle reminders that their bodies give. But aching joints are not a transient nuisance; they are a warning to stop and take care. Early detection and preventive measures can safeguard your health, improve your performance, and allow you to have a long, painless career. Your work might be virtual, but your body still loves to move. Hear it and take action in time. Authored by: Dr. Abhijit Sawant, Director and Senior Consultant Radiologists, Vcare Imaging and Diagnostic Centre, Mumbai Actor Nargis Fakhri Reveals 9‑Day Water Fast Twice a Year to Get 'Snatched'
Hans India
14 hours ago
- Hans India
Govt to give a corporate-style makeover to TIMS, Wgl hosp
Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodar Raja Narsimha on Monday instructed officials to ensure that the new Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) Hospitals and the Warangal Super Specialty Hospital are equipped with corporate-style furniture and equipment, with the added stipulation that suppliers must be responsible for maintenance. During an extensive review meeting held at the TGMSIDC Office, Koti, the Minister emphasised that all procurements should be 'future-ready,' incorporating the latest state-of-the-art technology to guarantee patients receive the best possible care. Officials were directed to consult with doctors to understand the equipment used in reputable corporate hospitals and consider similar advanced models wherever feasible. He further mandated that furniture procurement should consider the needs of doctors, hospital staff, and patients alike. Given the anticipated high patient footfall in these new hospitals, Narsimha stressed that equipment and furniture must be adequate to comfortably handle the expected volumes. The Minister categorically stated that all procured items must come with warranty provisions, and suppliers should be held accountable for their maintenance obligations. 'Not a single piece of equipment should remain unused or out of service,' he asserted firmly. Regarding the supply of medicines in government hospitals, the Minister personally enquired whether all essential medicines were currently available and directed that sufficient stocks be maintained, particularly in view of the seasonal disease burden that may lead to increased patient inflow. He directed TGMSIDC officials to ensure that Central Medical Stores stock at least a three-month buffer supply of medicines to avoid shortages under any circumstances. Concerning diagnostics infrastructure, the Minister directed that Platelet Separation Machines must be kept in working condition in all designated hospitals. All diagnostic hubs, he insisted, should be fully equipped to conduct a comprehensive range of tests and scans. 'No patient should be referred outside even for a single test,' he underlined. The Minister recalled that in the previous year, the government had established new medical stores in every district and sanctioned funds for the construction of permanent buildings for these stores. He instructed that construction works should be initiated in all districts without delay and completed expeditiously. He also informed that CT scan machines had already been provided across all medical colleges, and funds have been sanctioned for installing MRI machines wherever required. He directed officials to complete the procurement and installation of MRI machines at the earliest. Finally, the Minister directed the Health Secretary to establish a dedicated state-level system for the Centralised Biomedical Engineering Monitoring Unit. A Central Monitoring Unit comprising five biomedical engineers is to be set up at the TGMSIDC Head Office. The Minister made it clear that hospital superintendents would be held responsible for ensuring that all equipment remains fully operational.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Polluting cooking fuel users may be at a higher risk of cognitive impairment finds study in Karnataka
A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia has found that polluting cooking fuel users may be at a higher risk for cognitive impairment. Highlighting the need for policies promoting the adoption of clean cooking fuel/technology, the study found that rural females, who tend to be more exposed than males, could have greater vulnerability to household air pollution's (HAP) adverse effects on the brain. A team of researchers from the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and University of Chicago, United States, used baseline data from participants of the ongoing prospective cohort study, Centre for Brain Research - Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence, and COGnition (CBR-SANSCOG). Data was collected between January 2018 and December 2023. Under the CBR-SANSCOG cohort, adults aged over 45 years from the villages of Srinivaspura taluk in Kolar district of Karnataka were recruited. Of the sample size of 4,145 adults, as many as 994 participants who passed the MRI quality control were included in the MRI analysis. Household air pollution HAP is a specific type of indoor air pollution, which primarily results from the use of polluting cooking technology - coal stoves, biomass stoves, chullahs (earthen stoves) and polluting fuels such as firewood, cow dung cake, coal, lignite or charcoal, and kerosene, in and around the house, leading to the production of gaseous toxins. While HAP from polluting cooking fuels, a rampant issue in rural India, is suspected to be a significant modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment, evidence supported by neuroimaging in this population was lacking. 'Our study aimed to explore the relationship between polluting cooking technology, as a proxy for HAP, and cognitive performance, and brain morphology in the Srinivaspura cohort. We hypothesised that HAP exposure is associated with poorer cognitive performance and adverse brain morphology in this population. We also examined how factors such as age and sex affected this association and complemented our findings with insights from structural brain MRI,' one of the authors from the CBR team told The Hindu. Cognitive functions According to the study, only polluting cooking technology users had significantly lower scores in global cognition, visuospatial ability and executive functions, whereas at least one polluting cooking technology user had lower scores in global cognition only, compared to the clean cooking technology users. 'This study noted significantly poorer performance in global and domain-specific cognitive functions among polluting cooking technology users. Moreover, polluting cooking technology use was significantly associated with lower hippocampus volumes in females, the region which is primarily implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology,' the CBR team said. 'When solid fuels are burned indoors for cooking, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, air pollutants like oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and suspended particulate matter are released. These pollutants have been implicated in adversely affecting brain health via different mechanisms. The primary mechanisms may be related to inflammation and oxidative stress, wherein ultrafine air pollutants affect the brain directly by entering the brain through the olfactory bulb or by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB),' the study noted. The impact of household air pollution on health According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.2 million premature deaths occurred worldwide from illnesses attributed to HAP as of 2020. These include ischaemic heart disease, stroke and chronic pulmonary conditions. In India, as of 2019, 0.81 million deaths were attributed to HAP. The 2019–21 National Family Health Survey-5 reported that 41.4% of households in India lacked access to clean cooking fuels. This disparity was more pronounced in rural areas, wherein 56.8% of households utilised polluting cooking fuels, compared to 10.3% in urban areas. In Karnataka, 30.7% of rural households relied on unclean cooking fuel in 2019–20. A 2017 nationwide study found that deaths and DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) due to HAP in Karnataka were significantly higher than those caused by ambient particulate matter pollution, contrasting with the trends in most other States. Modifiable risk factor While a large body of evidence exists documenting the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular and pulmonary health, its impact on cognition and brain health is only recently being explored. Besides the well-recognised risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as age, genetic predisposition, and cardiovascular diseases, increasing evidence suggests that air pollution is a modifiable risk factor. 'Our study echoes the findings from a harmonised analysis of ageing studies across India, China and Mexico that revealed poorer cognitive function among polluting cooking fuel users. It is among the first few studies to produce findings specific to a rural Indian setting. Recent findings from cross-sectional data of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) showed that HAP was negatively associated with cognitive functioning among rural residents, particularly in older rural women. Another study among rural adults in South India found a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment among polluting cooking fuel users,' the study added.
