Indoor air pollution and neurocognitive disorders in younger and older adults in a marginalized district of Lima, Peru

INTRODUCTION: Air pollution is an emerging risk factor for neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), yet the impact of indoor exposures in urban-marginalized areas of Latin America remains understudied. We examined the association between indoor air pollution and cognitive impairment among adults in Puente Piedra, Lima, Peru. METHODS: We assessed NCDs using validated Peruvian versions of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (for adults aged 30–59) and the Rowland Dementia Assessment Scale (for those ≥60). Indoor air pollution was defined by the use and duration of pollutant-emitting cooking fuels. RESULTS: Among 1,052 participants (736 younger, 316 older adults), 16% of younger and 13.3% of older adults reported exposure. NCD prevalence was 21.9% and 36.1%, respectively. No significant association was found between indoor pollution and NCD in either group. DISCUSSION: While findings suggest no relationship, further research using objective exposure measures is warranted to better understand environmental risks for cognitive health.