Mice exposed to dust from the WTC showed impairments in both long and short-term memory, and spatial recognition, as well as alterations to genes associated with immune-inflammatory response and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Findings suggest first responders who were exposed to dust from the WTC experience a peripheral-brain immune inflammatory response that leads to cognitive decline.
First responders at the World Trade Center who experience cognitive impairment and PTSD have a different presentation of white matter in the brain compared to first responders with cognitive impairment without PTSD. Researchers say the findings point to a new and specific form of dementia for those responders with PTSD.
First responders at the World Trade Center have reduced cortical gray matter thickness, which was consistent with neurodegenerative conditions and evidence their brain age is, on average, ten years older than those of similar ages in the general population.