There’s growing evidence wildfire smoke could be hurting your brain

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1. Smoke from the recent Los Angeles wildfires poses a host of well-known human health risks, particularly to the heart and lungs systems. And as climate change fuels longer wildfire seasons, concerns over smoke exposure and the [health threats](https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/01/14/wildfire-toxic-aftermath/) of fires are growing. But the effects of air pollution on the brain are only beginning to be widely recognized.

   In a recent study, researchers [found that long-term exposure](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2827124) to fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, was linked to an increased risk of dementia. But not all air pollution carries the same risk.

   Wildfire smoke appears to be especially hazardous, according to Joan Casey, the study’s lead author, adding that the findings highlight the link between climate change and negative neurological consequences.

   “We have this aging population, and we have strengthening climate change, and those may converge for really bad neurological health outcomes,” said Casey, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington.

   Read more here: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/01/29/air-pollution-wildfire-smoke-dementia/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/01/29/air-pollution-wildfire-smoke-dementia/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com)

2. I developed adult onset asthma as a result of the wildfire smoke here in Alberta back in 2018. It’s no joke people, wear a respirator if you can.

3. I once read that some of our genes adopted in early historyso we can survive campfires better. In the beginning many died from the smoke.

4. This is all part of the violent acts that these oligarchs commit against us in their unrelenting pursuit of profits.

5. I remember the summer of 2018 (I think). I know it was before covid. We had over a month of horrible air quality from wildfire smoke where I lived. I remember getting Covid, and the brain fog felt the same as that summer of smoke. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t remember simple words to describe things. It was the same feeling.

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