Research Progress on Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly Caused by Cadmium Exposure and Its Potential Mechanisms
10.3870/j.issn.1672-0741.24.08.031
- VernacularTitle:镉暴露致老年人认知功能损伤及其可能机制的研究进展
- Author:
Hao HE
1
;
Zixuan JIN
;
Han LI
Author Information
1. 广西医科大学公共卫生学院卫生毒理学教研室,南宁 530021
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cognitive impairment;
Alzheimer's disease;
elderly;
cadmium exposure
- From:
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong
2025;54(2):275-282
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cadmium is a pervasive environmental pollutant with strong bioaccumulative properties and multisystem toxici-ty.Elderly individuals,as a vulnerable group,are particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of long-term cadmium expo-sure on cognitive function.This review summarizes domestic and international research on the association between cadmium ex-posure,cognitive impairment in older adults,and Alzheimer's disease,while also discussing the potential underlying biological mechanisms.Current epidemiological studies predominantly use cross-sectional or case-control designs.Numerous studies have reported that cadmium exposure is associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly and an increased incidence or mortality of Alzheimer's disease.The neurotoxic mechanisms of cadmium are complex and varied,including disruption of the blood-brain barrier,impairment of mitochondrial function,interference with synaptic transmission,induction of autophagy and apoptosis,as well as disturbances in metal ion homeostasis and glycogen metabolism.Although numerous studies support the adverse effects of cadmium exposure on cognitive function in the elderly,these conclusions remain controversial,and the underlying biological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Therefore,further prospective cohort studies and in-depth biological research are ur-gently needed to better understand the health risks posed by cadmium exposure in the elderly.
