235416 Association of Blood Cotinine Level With Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 8:30 AM

Wajiha Akhtar, MPH , Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Elena Andresen, PhD , Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Michael Cannell, MPH , Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Xiaohui Xu , Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
     
Background: Studies show that active smoking may have an association with cognitive decline. However the consequence of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on cognitive performance remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to assess the association of ETS with cognitive performance using a population-based sample. Methods: Data on 2,957 participants of the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. ETS was calculated using blood cotinine concentrations divided into tertiles. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association. Results: Increased cotinine tertiles were associated with decreased cognitive performance for never and former smokers (p for trend =0.006 and 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for several potential confounders, including diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and blood lead level, increased cotinine tertiles were still associated with decreased DSST score for never and former smokers (p for trend=0.006 and 0.0048, respectively). Conclusions: Our study suggests that environmental tobacco smoke may contribute to cognitive impairment. Considering the cross-sectional design and the limitations of this study, it warrants further assessment.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Environmental health sciences
Epidemiology
Public health biology
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Design a study that assesses environmental tobacco smoke effects on cognitive change in older adults. Describe the biomarker used for secondhand smoke. Describe correct measuring techniques for blood level cotinine. Define cognitive test used for measuring cognitive performance. Explain the best method used to test association. Assess results of the study and discuss future directions.

Keywords: Tobacco, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I was the primary analyst on this research and was involved in the project conception, study design, data interpretation, and writing and editing.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Environment and Aging
See more of: Aging & Public Health