Colorado’s Wildfires May Increase Dementia Risk

The frequency and intensity of wildfires have grown in Colorado in recent years, and the costs may reach beyond property loss and other economic disruption. It appears to also be a growing public health problem. A report by CNN says new research finds that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may be linked to brain health, including a heightened risk of dementia compared with other sources of air pollution. According to CNN, these findings come from data on over 1.2 million people 60 or older in Southern California in the decade from 2009 to 2019. The results, which were yet to be peer reviewed, were reported at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The researchers measured the impact of “PM2.5,” which refers to air pollution particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These can be generated by wildfire smoke as well as by other sources, such as motor vehicles and factories. CNN said researchers found a comparatively strong link between PM2.5 from wildfires and dementia diagnoses. “Specifically, the odds of someone exposed to wildfire smoke being diagnosed with dementia rose 21% for every increase of 1 microgram of PM2.5 concentration per cubic meter of air over a three-year average,” the CNN report stated. “In comparison, for other sources of PM2.5 pollution, the odds of a dementia diagnosis went up 3% for every increase of 3 micrograms per cubic meter of air over a three-year average.” The association was reportedly most pronounced among people from racial and ethnic minority groups and in high-poverty areas. Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs lead at the Alzheimer’s Association, was quoted as saying, “When you breathe in PM2.5, it actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs.” Breathing in such toxic particles has been shown in other studies to increase amyloid in the brain. Buildup of amyloid is believed to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is why people at risk — especially older people who may also have other health issues such as respiratory or cardiac disorders — are advised to stay indoors on days with poor air quality. Such persons might also consider having home air filtration systems.