Study Provides Evidence of Amyloidosis in the Brains of Some WTC Responders

Nearly 25 years after the tragic World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero continue to experience long-term health effects. Now, a new brain imaging study conducted by researchers at Stony Brook Medicine has found a potential link between prolonged WTC exposure and amyloid buildup in the brain, a key marker associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, examined 35 WTC responders 26 men and 9 women with an average age of 56 years. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers discovered that longer exposure to the toxic environment at Ground Zero correlated with a higher presence of amyloid, particularly in the olfactory cortex, the brain region responsible for the sense of smell.

“The take-home point with this study is that the duration of WTC exposures had a direct link to amyloid in the brain, specifically in the olfactory cortex,” said lead author Dr. Sean Clouston, Professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine and the Program of Public Health at Stony Brook University.

Further, the study found that responders who worked for extended periods without wearing protective masks exhibited even higher levels of amyloid in their brains. Among the study participants, nearly half (17 individuals) showed signs of cognitive impairment.

“While this does not necessarily mean these responders will develop Alzheimer’s, the presence of amyloid is a concerning indicator of premature brain aging,” said co-author Dr. Benjamin Luft, Director of the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program.

WTC responders faced prolonged exposure to hazardous materials such as fine particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. Researchers noted that those who were unprotected at the site for months showed the greatest burden of amyloidosis. The findings suggest that chronic exposure to air pollution may lead to a novel form of neuropathology, increasing the risk of early-onset dementia.

The study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the National Institute on Aging. The researchers plan to expand the study to larger cohorts and continue monitoring patients over time to further investigate the long-term neurological consequences of WTC exposure.

(Newswise/DN)