New research links wildfire smoke to increased dementia risk, raising concerns about its impact on brain health. (AP/Nic Coury)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
PHILADELPHIA — Wildfire smoke may be worse for brain health than other types of air pollution, according to new research linking it to an increased risk of dementia.
The findings, reported Monday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, come as millions spent the weekend under air quality warnings from wildfires spewing smoke across the western U.S.
At issue is fine particulate matter or PM2.5 – tiny particles about 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and move to the bloodstream. This pollution – from traffic, factories and fires – can cause or worsen heart and lung diseases, and the new study adds to evidence it may play some role in dementia, too.
Related Story: California Man Defends His Home as Wildfires Push Devastation and Spread Smoke ...
Study Findings on Wildfire Smoke and Dementia Risk
Researchers tracked health records from 1.2 million older adults in Southern California between 2009 and 2019. They used air quality monitoring and other data to estimate residential exposure to PM2.5 over three years from wildfire smoke or other causes.
The study found the odds of a new dementia diagnosis increased about 21% for every 1 microgram increase in the concentration of wildfire particles. That compared with a 3% increased risk for every 3 microgram jump in non-wildfire particles, concluded researchers from the universities of Washington and Pennsylvania.
Related Story: California Firefighters Make Progress as Wildfires Push Devastation and Spread ...
It’s not clear why there would be a difference. But with wildfires increasing, this needs more study, said Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo. That’s especially considering that the risk of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is higher for lower-income populations who may have a harder time avoiding unhealthy air, she said.
Health warnings urge staying indoors when air quality is poor but “there are a lot of people who don’t have the option to stay home or they work outside,” she noted.
RELATED TOPICS:
Visalia Motorcyclist Killed in Collision on Walnut Avenue
8 hours ago
DOGE Is a Promising Step Toward Federal Efficiency: Fareed Zakaria
9 hours ago
UN Expert: Myanmar’s Desperate Military Ramps Up Attacks Including Beheadings, Rapes and Torture
10 hours ago
Man Found Dead in Fresno’s Roeding Park Identified as Bay Area Resident
12 hours ago
Fresno Authorities Search for Domestic Violence Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous
12 hours ago
NBA Memo to Players Warns About Organized Home Break-Ins
12 hours ago
Tulare County Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening to Kill Middle School Girls, Staff