Are Firefighters More at Risk of Developing Dementia?

Over the years, researchers have focused on the connection between firefighting and various diseases, including cancer and heart disease, but could firefighters also be more at risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

MORE: The seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease. 

According to an article on firechief.com, although there has yet to be any official studies into the link between firefighting and dementia, a 2015 article highlights the risks of exposure to certain toxins and their link to dementia. These toxins are familiar to most firefighters and they will have undoubtedly come into contact with them at some point in their careers.

Toxicants that have already been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia include aluminum, lead, mercury, flame retardants, solvents, plasticizers and air pollutants such as carbon monoxide. While the body can expel some toxicants, it’s known that many can accumulate in the body causing health problems later in life.

MORE: Six known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. 

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