Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences: Pilot Project: The Associations Between Personal Particulate Matter Exposures And Cognitive Function Among Stroke Patients: An Environmental Health Disparity Research In Kentucky

Abstract Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth cause of death in USA. Emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), as one of the most severe types of stroke (account for around 340,000 patients in USA each year) are responsible for higher dependence or death than other types of ischemic stroke. Thrombectomy, a standard procedure for some stroke patients, significantly lowers the risk of disability. However, patients still suffer from cognitive effect from the brain injury and the recovery vary widely between patients. With the devastating outcomes of stroke, prevention of cognitive decline and improving the brain health and life quality of stroke patients is a public health priority. Fine particulate matter (PMz.s) defined by aerodynamic diameter <2.Sμm pose a special interest for the brain effects given the capability of very small particles to reach the brain. However, the effect of PM2.5 on the central nervous system are not broadly recognized. To expand understandings on the impact of PM2.5 on cognitive recovery for post thrombectomy stroke patients, this study will employ personal and athome indoor air monitoring among stroke patients in the INDICATE study, a prospective cohort at UK that collect numerous neurocognitive test data and blood samples from 3-month to 2-year post thrombectomy. This study will investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of PM exposures among 30 stroke patients in Kentucky (Aim 1), assess the impact of PM exposures on cognitive function changes between 3-month and 6-month post thrombectomy (Aim2), and explore associations between personal PM exposure and protein response between 3-month and 6-mongh post thrombectomy. The study site (Kentucky) is located in the US Stroke Belt with some of the most medically underserved rural counties in the nation, will allow us to explore the environmental health disparities in this region.