Occupational metals exposure and cognitive performance among foundry workers using tau protein as a biomarker

•Occupational exposure to Aluminum and other metals has hazardous effect on cognitive functions.•Formal cognitive testing should be part of the routine checkup of the exposed workers, done as a baseline test and on regular intervals during working periods.•Serum tau protein could be used as a biomarker for the hazardous effect of occupational exposure to Aluminum and other metals on the neuronal cells. Human exposure to heavy metals is a potential risk for developing cognitive impairment. Aluminum (Al) foundry is one of industries that involve occupational exposure to different metals. to evaluate the cognitive performance of Aluminum foundry workers in relation to different metals exposure. a cross sectional study conducted on 75 Al foundry workers and 75 non-occupationally exposed subjects as controls. Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire, Assessment of cognitive functions done using Montreal cognitive assessment (MocA), Stress, depression and sleep were also assessed. Serum levels of Aluminum (AL), Lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn) and tau protein were measured. Exposed group showed significant increase in serum levels of Aluminum, lead, Manganese and tau protein, p value