The study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that exposure to fine-particulate smoke, particularly from wildfires, poses a higher risk of dementia compared to other types of pollution such as that from motor vehicles or factories.
Over a span of 10 years, the study surveyed more than 1.2 million residents in Southern California, as stated in a press release by the association.
Alzheimer’s Association Senior Director of Scientific Programs and Research, Claire Sexton, emphasized the increasing threat to brain health due to the rising global incidence of wildfires, particularly in California and the western U.S.
California has been significantly impacted by wildfires over the years, with the most recent Park fire in Northern California consuming over 600 square miles on July 29.
Wildfires expose Californians to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution, which was found to increase the risk of dementia more than other sources of pollution like motor vehicles or factories.
The study noted a 21 percent increase in the odds of dementia diagnosis over a three-year exposure to PM2.5, analyzing health records of over 1 million Kaiser Permanente members aged 60 and above between 2009 and 2019.
Dr. Holly Elser, a study author and neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted that wildfires contribute to over 70 percent of PM2.5 exposure in California due to the unique nature of the particulates they produce.
To address the health risks associated with wildfire pollution exposure, experts recommend updating home air filtration systems, staying indoors during smoky days, and wearing N95 protective masks when outside.
