A new study indicates that the increasing wildfires driven by climate change could pose a significant threat to future brain health.
Researchers presented their findings at the Alzheimer’s Association annual meeting in Philadelphia, revealing that wildfire smoke might increase the risk of dementia more than other types of air pollution.
The study found that exposure to wildfire smoke significantly heightens the likelihood of developing dementia, even at lower exposure levels compared to other air pollution sources.
Claire Sexton, senior director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the growing threat posed by wildfires, particularly in regions like California and the western United States. She called for policies to prevent wildfires and better methods to address them.
The research showed a 21% increase in the odds of dementia diagnosis for every 1 microgram per cubic meter rise in particle pollution from wildfire smoke. In contrast, other air pollution sources caused only a 3% increased risk of dementia for every 3 microgram per cubic meter rise in airborne particulates.
Wildfires, along with motor vehicles and factories, release fine particulate matter into the air. These particles, much smaller than the width of a human hair, can be particularly harmful when inhaled.
The study analyzed health records of over 1.2 million Kaiser Permanente members in southern California. The participants, all aged 60 or older, were monitored from 2009 to 2019, and none had dementia at the start of the study. Researchers compared their health data with air quality records from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Dr. Holly Elser, the study’s lead researcher and a neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the heightened risk from wildfire smoke exposure.
“Previous research has found that exposure to particle pollution is associated with dementia, but our large, long-term study shows that the risk from wildfire smoke is an even bigger concern,” she said.
Elser noted that air pollution from wildfires now accounts for over 70% of total particle pollution on poor air quality days in California. This pollution is generated at higher temperatures, contains more toxic chemicals, and consists of smaller particles compared to those from other sources, making it particularly harmful.
Senior researcher Joan Casey from the University of Washington in Seattle pointed out that the impact of wildfire smoke was most pronounced among racially and ethnically marginalized groups and in high-poverty areas.
These findings suggest that efforts to prevent dementia should include measures to reduce exposure to both wildfire and non-wildfire particle pollution.
The researchers recommend that people living in wildfire-prone areas monitor air quality. When particle pollution levels are high, individuals should stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers, and wear N95 masks when going outside.
This study underscores the urgent need for effective wildfire prevention and response strategies to protect public health, especially brain health, from the increasing threat posed by climate change-induced wildfires.
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