Examining Environmental Factors' Effects on Cognition

New research is looking at the effects of environmental factors on the brain as we age. Dr. Kathryn Conlon joins the podcast to discuss how factors like air pollution and lead exposure can affect cognition and overall brain health. She highlights how pollution affects both semantic and episodic memory as well as strategies for protecting brain health against these pollutants. Guest: Kathryn Conlon, PhD, MPH, associate professor, University of California Davis Show Notes Register and learn more about the upcoming Fall Community Conversation, happening on September 29, 2026, on our website. Read Dr. Conlon’s study titled “Association between proximity to a lead-releasing facility and cognition in diverse cohorts,” published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, online. Read Dr. Conlon’s study titled “Particulate air pollution and domain-specific cognition among Black adults,” published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, online. Learn what the air quality is like where you are at AirNow.gov, mentioned at 37:15 by Dr. Conlon. Learn more about Dr. Conlon at her profile on the UC Davis Health website. Listen to our past episode, “Study Finds Air Pollution a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease,” on our website. Connect with us Find transcripts and more at our website. Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter. Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production. Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia.