Indoor Moldy Odor Exposure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis Based on CLHLS Dataset in China

Abstract

Environmental factors such as air pollution have been linked to cognitive function decline. Indoor moldy odor, a common air quality issue, may exacerbate cognitive deterioration in older adults via behavioral and physiological mechanisms. This study systematically examined the association between indoor moldy odor exposure and cognitive function among older adults in China. Methods Data were obtained from three waves of the nationally representative survey of China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey between 2011/12–2018. Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function. Random‐effects panel Tobit model was used to estimate the association between indoor moldy odor and cognitive function. To address potential endogeneity, housing water leakage/damage was used as an instrumental variable, together with other robustness checks. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the association. Results Indoor moldy odor exposure was associated with poorer cognitive function (Coef. = −0.508). This association remains robust when the outcome variable is recoded and when the sample is restricted. Instrumental variable regression further confirmed the robustness after addressing potential endogeneity and implicated the role of housing water leakage. Subgroup analyses revealed a statistically negative association in females, individuals with lower education, and rural residents. But the subgroup difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Indoor moldy odor was associated with cognitive impairment among elderly populations, highlighting the importance of public health policies targeting indoor air quality.

Part of CIRS Nexus · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady

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