Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Impairment in Working Memory and Executive Function Associated with Mercury Exposure in Indigenous Populations in Upper Amazonian Peru

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dc.contributor.author Silman, A.K.
dc.contributor.author Chhabria, R.
dc.contributor.author Hafzalla, G.W.
dc.contributor.author Giffin, L.
dc.contributor.author Kucharski, K.
dc.contributor.author Myers, K.
dc.contributor.author Culquichicón, Carlos
dc.contributor.author Montero, Stephanie
dc.contributor.author Lescano Guevara, Andres Guillermo
dc.contributor.author Vega, C.M.
dc.contributor.author Fernandez, L.E.
dc.contributor.author Silman, M.R.
dc.contributor.author Kane, M.J.
dc.contributor.author Sanders, J.W.
dc.date.accessioned 2022-10-12T18:25:58Z
dc.date.available 2022-10-12T18:25:58Z
dc.date.issued 2022
dc.identifier.uri https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12866/12378
dc.description.abstract The Matsigenka people living traditional lifestyles in remote areas of the Amazon rely on a fish-based diet that exposes them to methylmercury (MeHg) at levels that have been associated with decreased IQ scores. In this study, the association between Hg levels and working memory was explored using the framework of the Multicomponent Model. Working memory tasks were modified to fit the culture and language of the Matsigenka when needed and included measures for verbal storage (Word Span) visuospatial storage (Corsi Block Task) and a measure of executive functions, the Self-Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT). An innovation of the Trail Making Tests A & B (TMT A & B) was pilot tested as another potential measure of executive functions. The mean hair Hg levels of 30 participants, ages 12 to 55 years, from three different communities (Maizal, Cacaotal and Yomibato) was 7.0 ppm (sd = 2.40), well above the World Health Organization (WHO) limit for hair of 2.0 ppm and ranged from 1.8 to 14.2 ppm, with 98% of a broader sample of 152 individuals exceeding the WHO limit. Hair Hg levels showed significant associations with cognitive performance, but the degree varied in magnitude according to the type of task. Hg levels were negatively associated with executive functioning performance (SOPT errors), while Hg levels and years of education predicted visuospatial performance (Corsi Block accuracy). Education was the only predictor of Word Span accuracy. The results show that Hg exposure is negatively associated with working memory performance when there is an increased reliance on executive functioning. Based on our findings and the review of the experimental research, we suggest that the SOPT and the Corsi Block have the potential to be alternatives to general intelligence tests when studying remote groups with extensive cultural differences. en_US
dc.language.iso eng
dc.publisher MDPI
dc.relation.ispartofseries International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
dc.rights info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess
dc.rights.uri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.es
dc.subject methylmercury en_US
dc.subject working memory en_US
dc.subject executive functions en_US
dc.subject indigenous population en_US
dc.subject environmental exposure en_US
dc.subject Matsigenka en_US
dc.subject Manu National Park en_US
dc.subject Amazon Basin en_US
dc.title Impairment in Working Memory and Executive Function Associated with Mercury Exposure in Indigenous Populations in Upper Amazonian Peru en_US
dc.type info:eu-repo/semantics/article
dc.identifier.doi https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710989
dc.relation.issn 1660-4601


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