According to experts at Stony Brook University, two reports have shown the emergency responders of the 9/11 World Trade Center assault could be at risk of acquiring dementia.
Although there are no known reasons why Ground Zero neurotoxins could have induced differences in the brain of first responders, a report reported in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Detection, Evaluation and Condition Surveillance showed that the brain “age” among first responders with symptoms among cognitive dysfunction is on average around 10 years older than the general population.
The research sponsored by the National Institute for Employment and Occupational Health ( NIOSH) and the National Institute on Aging examined with and without symptoms of cognitive disability into the minds of first responders (age 45 to 65 years). MRI imaging revealed that those with cognitive impairment significantly decreased cortical thickness, which meant a decrease in brain gray matter. It is associated with neurodegenerative disorder and according to the report, the reduction rates are close to those of dementia patients.
In the general public, cortical atrophy is uncommon in the age group between 45 to 65 and the volume between atrophy observed in first responders with cognitive disability was substantially higher than someone who have no signs of cognitive disorder.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Sean Clouston, suggests additional brain-related testing is required for a longer analysis to ascertain the exact cause or triggers of brain atrophy in WTC responders.
Among 181 WTC male responders among their midlife a second research looked at proteins in the plasma.
The first responders surveyed reported Depression and moderate cognitive disability, and analysts discovered they reported abnormal proteome modifications that are associated with Alzheimer’s and similar disorders, as well as other neuropsychiatric problems.
“We believe that neuro-inflammation is a possible mechanism in which responders with PTSD appear to be at a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Benjamin Luft, the senior author of the study. “We hope our unique analysis of proteins associated with cognitive impairment-related diseases in this population is an additional way to identify their risk based on changes in their body likely due from their exposures.”
