Association between environmental mold exposure and mild cognitive impairment in older adults

A case–control study

Bibliographic Data

ID22433407
AuthorsRaquel Rivera-Carvajal (0000-0003-0666-9285, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud), Diana Carolina Tiga-Loza (0000-0002-0089-2067, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud), D Jimena Roncancio (Universidad El Bosque), Laura Andrea Rodriguez-Villamizar (Industrial University of Santander), Gisela Ríos-Gajardo (University of Concepción), Alima Valentina Ardila-Alvarez (0000-0003-0264-876X, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga), Nicole Karim Suárez-Acosta (Universidad De Santander), Beatriz Elena Guerra-Sierra (Universidad De Santander), Beatriz Elena Guerra Sierra (0000-0002-1830-1974, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud)
Year2026
Volume14
Publication date2026-07-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1877177
OpenAlexW7168169054
LanguageEN
References cited85

Introduction Cognitive disorders have been associated with exposure to environmental molds in case series and animal experimental models. Older adults spend a substantial proportion of their time indoors, where they may be exposed to household mold contamination. Objective To determine the association between indoor environmental mold exposure and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) among older adults in Bucaramanga during 2024–2025. Methods A case–control study (1:1 ratio) was conducted, including 60 cases and 60 controls, matched by sex, age, and neighborhood of residence. Cases were selected from the INTERCOG study and controls from the general population. Data collection included participant and housing characterization, the Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (DMAT), and an assessment of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) related symptoms. Air culture samples were collected from bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Indoor CO 2 , relative humidity, and temperature, mold-specific serum IgE levels were measured. Multivariable analyses were performed using conditional logistic regression. Results Most participants were female, with a median age of 69 years. aMCI was significantly associated with increased odds of SBS-related nasal irritation (OR = 5.84; 95%CI: 1.20–28.37). The presence of Fusarium spp. in kitchen samples (OR = 3.86; 95%CI: 0.85–17.30) and history of diabetes mellitus (DM) showed a positive but non-significant association with aMCI (OR = 7.68; 95%CI: 0.95–61.16). Higher indoor temperature and greater frequency of household cleaning exhibited a protective trend against aMCI. Conclusion Nasal irritation experienced indoor and relieved upon leaving the home was significantly associated with aMCI. Positive but non-significant associations were observed for the presence of Fusarium spp. and a history of DM. Higher indoor temperature and more frequent household cleaning showed inverse, non-significant associations with aMCI. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the role of residential environmental exposures with aMCI.

Cognitive impairment · Diabetes mellitus · Irritation · Logistic regression · Odds · Odds ratio · Sick building syndrome · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure · Occupational exposure and asthma

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