Cognitive impairment associated with chronic lead exposure in adults

Lead (Pb) exposure interferes with many biochemical events present in cells of the central nervous system (neurons and astrocytes) and it can produce a wide spectrum of alterations including cognitive impairment. The review summarizes the main cognitive alterations induced by chronic Pb exposure in adults/older individuals. We have focused on the current state of knowledge concerning the most vulnerable brain areas to Pb exposure that accompanied by the long-lasting neurological effects of Pb in cognitive functions. We tried to correlate the cognitive deficits induced by Pb exposure in animal models during adulthood with those reported in humans. The great interest in whether exposure to Pb can cause long-term, progressive declines in cognitive functions not only in exposed worker but also in community-dwelling individuals suggests that despite the reduction of Pb release in the environment, it's a risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline.