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Date Available

5-5-2026

Year of Publication

2026

Document Type

Graduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

College

Public Health

Department/School/Program

Public Health

Faculty

Dr. Yisi Liu

Committee Member

Dr. Erin Abner

Faculty

Dr. Tianjun Lu

Abstract

Stroke, a major cause of long-term disability and cognitive problems in the U.S., significantly affects people’s quality of life. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) may result in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. This project thus assessed the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and its effect on the cognitive function of post-thrombectomy stroke patients. Fifteen stroke patients (9 non-Appalachian and 6 Appalachian) undergone thrombectomy were recruited. Personal PM2.5 exposure was measured using wearable sensors for a week during the study period. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and covariates (demographics, clinical data) were collected for each patient. The average personal PM2.5 exposure ranged from 3.103 to 36.417mg/m3, with significant between-person differences. Participant were exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations during nighttime than daytime. Median personal PM2.5 concentration were similar in Appalachian and Non-Appalachian residents. Linear regression models suggest insignificantly negative associations between PM2.5 concentrations with MoCA scores at discharge (β = -0.189) and MoCA scores at 90 days post-thrombectomy (β = -0.314), and MoCA score changes between discharge and 90-days after thrombectomy (β = -0.126). The results suggest that higher PM2.5 levels/ concentrations may be associated with worse cognitive function among post-thrombectomy stroke patients.

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