# AGE, LEAD EXPOSURE AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL DECLINE

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $404,949

## Abstract

We have recently completed a cross-sectional study examining the relation
between occupational exposure tetraethyllead (TEL) and inorganic lead and
cognitive function (CF).  Associations were consistently observed with
lead exposure duration and cumulative estimates of exposure and dose,
primarily in three domains: verbal learning/memory,
attention/concentration, and speed and accuracy of mental/motor executive
functions.  The cross-sectional data support prior animal studies and
human case reports.  Moreover, TEL is known to cause neurofibrillary
tangles in animal models.  However, to date there are no prospective data
to provide support for a causal relation.  The lead exposed study
population is unique because extensive data are available to estimate
cumulative exposure to lead.  We propose to conduct a longitudinal study
to examine change in CF in 400 current and former lead exposed workers
compared to 400 age, education, and race frequency. matched population
controls.  All subjects will be 50 to 74 years of age at enrollment and
examined four times over a 36 month period.  Testing will consist of a
comprehensive battery of neurobehavioral tests which will be used to
assess a wide variety of cognitive and functional domains.  In addition,
olfactory function and peripheral vibration threshold will also be
assessed.  Our central objective is to determine whether the decline in
cognitive function among lead exposed workers is greater than that
expected from aging alone (as measured in frequency matched population
controls) and, if so, whether the change is related to age at first
exposure, time since first exposure, and time since last exposure. As a
secondary aim, we propose to examine whether the differences we observe
are functionally specific.  The focus of this study is both of general
interest in understanding the long term consequences of exposure to
neurotoxins and relevant to models of degenerative changes observed in
conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3122747
- **Project number:** 1R01AG010785-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **Principal Investigator:** WALTER F STEWART
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $404,949
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1993-09-01 → 1998-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3122747

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3122747, AGE, LEAD EXPOSURE AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL DECLINE (1R01AG010785-01A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3122747. Licensed CC0.

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