A new study suggests that particles found in wildfire smoke could increase the risk of getting dementia. Dementia is a progressive brain condition that causes thinking problems and other health issues. There are several forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers reported the new findings about wildfire smoke at the recent Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The study centered on a substance called PM2.5. The substance is known as particulate matter, a mixture of small, solid particles and water droplets found in the air. PM2.5 particles are about 30 times smaller than a human hair. They can be breathed into the lungs and then move on to the blood stream. Existing evidence shows this kind of pollution from traffic, factories and fires can cause or worsen heart disease. The new study finds it could also raise dementia risks.
