Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association: 'A pressing concern'

Researchers have discovered that exposure to wildfire smoke could increase the likelihood of developing dementia.

A study of over 1.2 million individuals in southern California, where wildfires occur frequently, revealed that wildfire smoke can have a detrimental impact on brain health.

The Alzheimer's Association unveiled research results at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia on Monday.

A study by the Alzheimer's Association revealed that wildfire smoke poses a higher risk of dementia than other forms of air pollution, such as emissions from vehicles and factories, known as fine particle matter (PM2.5).

The researchers discovered that the microscopic droplets in wildfire smoke had a "notably stronger" effect on dementia risk with even less exposure.

A higher risk of heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight has been linked to high levels of PM2.5.

The research examined the exposure of Californians aged 60 and above from 2009 to 2019 based on their residence.

For every 1 microgram increase of PM2.5 per meter, the likelihood of dementia diagnosis increased by 21%.

The Alzheimer's Association's senior director of scientific programs and outreach, Dr. Claire Sexton, informed Planet Chronicle Digital that research has shown that exposure to air pollution harms brain health, with PM2.5 being linked to dementia.

"Each year, approximately 44 million people are exposed to unhealthy air quality due to wildfires worldwide."

According to Sexton, improving air quality could help protect cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.

"Wildfires are becoming more frequent, severe, and prolonged, resulting in approximately 44 million people being exposed to unhealthy air quality annually."

Several reasons why wildfire smoke is more dangerous were highlighted in a new study, according to Sexton.

She pointed out that wildfire smoke is generated at higher temperatures and contains a higher concentration of toxic substances compared to other types of air pollution.

Smoke from wildfires has a smaller diameter of PM2.5 compared to other sources, Sexton stated.

"The growing number of wildfires worldwide, including those in California, Oregon, Alaska, and the southwestern U.S., is putting more people at risk of exposure to wildfire smoke, which can harm brain health."

According to Sexton, more than 70% of total fine particulate exposure on "poor air quality days" in California is caused by air pollution produced by wildfires.

"This is a real problem," she said.

Sexton advises individuals to update their home air filtration systems and remain indoors during times of poor air quality to minimize exposure risk.

Wearing an N95 mask outdoors is recommended by researchers when the Air Quality Index exceeds 100.