Dr. Tom
Russ

Professor of Environmental Epidemiology and Exposome Science at the Utrecht University  and University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Scientific Director of the Institute for Preventive Health (i4PH)

Abstract

In this talk I will outline why dementia is important and why we should investigate air pollution. I will consider the approach taken in many studies of air pollution and brain health and the fact that many studies repeat the same limited methods. I will propose the innovations we would need to learn more about air pollution and the brain and will also touch on translation and impact aspects.

Dr. Francesca Romana
Mancini

Leader of the Nutrition and Dietary Exposures research group at the Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health of theFrench National Institute of Health and Medical Research INSERM

Abstract

In 2005, Wild stated that although genetics significantly contributes to the development of non-communicable diseases, environmental exposures also play a crucial role. In fact, environmental (non-genetic) factors are responsible for 90% of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, to fully understand the etiology of non-communicable diseases, it is essential to consider both genetic and environmental components. From these observations, the concept of the exposome was developed—defined as the totality of all environmental factors to which an organism is exposed from conception to death and which influence its health status. Studying the exposome is an ambitious goal of the international scientific community and has led to the development of several specific approaches. Each of these approaches has its own strengths and limitations, which must be considered when interpreting results.

This seminar will discuss the concept of the exposome as applied to epidemiology. In particular, the large-scale multigenerational cohort E3N-Générations will be presented as a tool for studying the exposome. Finally, the main exposome-related studies conducted within the cohort will be reviewed, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the different approaches used.