Wildfire Smoke May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia, New Study Finds

The fine-particulate smoke raises the risk more than any other type of pollution, such as that from motor vehicles or factories, researchers said.

Smoke rises over the Forest Ranch area of Butte County as the Park fire rages near Chico, Calif., on July 26, 2024. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

Exposure to wildfire smoke may be linked to a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia, according to a new study from the Alzheimer’s Association.

The study was conducted over 10 years and surveyed more than 1.2 million Southern California residents, according to a press release from the association.