Environmental exposure to metals and the development of tauopathies, synucleinopathies, and TDP-43 proteinopathies: A systematic evidence map protocol
Background: Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias are incurable and expected to increase in prevalence in the upcoming decades. Environmental exposure to metals has been suggested as a contributing factor to the development of dementia. This systematic evidence map will identify and characterize the current epidemiological and experimental data on five metals (Pb, As, Mg, Hg, and Cd) and dementia to identify important knowledge gaps.
Methods: We will conduct a thorough search using four databases (Medline, TOXNET, EMBASE, and Web of Science Core Collection) and grey literature resources. Pre-defined criteria have been developed to identify studies which evaluate at least one of the selected metals and outcomes related to dementia (e.g., cognitive testing, neuropathology). At each phase of review, studies will be evaluated by two reviewers. Studies determined to be relevant will be extracted for selected information. We will conduct a narrative review of the included studies; and, extracted data will be available in a database hosted on Tableau Public.
Conclusion: This protocol documents the decisions made a priori to data collection regarding these objectives.