You may have already heard that genetics, *not* engaging in physical exercise and hearing loss can increase your risk of getting dementia. While those contributors sound pretty random, better safe than sorry, right?
According to a press release regarding a (preliminary) 2024 research study by the Alzheimer’s Association , another surprising factor can increase your dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, and by a whopping 21%. Those who work outside, live in California (or out west) and minority groups in high-poverty areas are especially at risk.
Related: This Is the #1 Best Sleep Position for Preventing Cognitive Decline, According to Neurologists
The Environmental Factor That Can Raise Your Dementia Risk
We’re talking about an environmental issue—inhaling wildfire smoke—and for three years, specifically. Researchers analyzed the health records of over a million different people in California aged 60 or older. None of them entered the study with a dementia diagnosis, but some received one later.
Unfortunately, wildfires have become more and more common: According to a 2024 study in Nature Ecology & Evolution , the number of extreme wildfires has more than doubled from 2003 to 2023 (you can blame that one on climate change).
While the researchers aren’t 100 percent sure how it happens, they do have a solid hypothesis. According to Jeremy Cunningham , the public policy director at the Utah chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, this could be because the smoke enters the brain through the bloodstream and affects a person’s ability to think, learn and remember.
Related: ‘I’m a Cleveland Clinic Neuropsychologist—Here’s What I Wish Every Woman Knew About Their Risk for Alzheimer’s and Dementia’
Wildfire smoke may be especially dangerous, too. Dr. Holly Elser, the study’s first author and a neurology resident, believes this may be true because the fire is hotter, has a greater concentration of toxic chemicals and contains particles that are smaller in diameter.
What Can You Do About It?
Despite this disheartening news, there is hope, as Claire Sexton, the senior director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association, mentions in the press release. On a macro scale, this looks like wildfire prevention—i.e. enacting helpful policies, researching how to prevent wildfires, telling more people about the answers, and that sort of thing, she says).
Related: A Change in This Daily Habit Could Be an Early Sign of Dementia, According to New Research
On a micro level, individuals can update their air filtration systems and check the air quality daily. If the air quality is at 100 or higher (this info is on your weather app!), stay inside as much as possible. When you have to venture outdoors, don't forget to wear a N95 mask.
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