9/11 first responders with severe debris exposure have higher risk of dementia, study finds

New research is giving a deeper look into how dust and debris from the fallen World Trade Center may play a role in the brain health of first responders. 

In the study, published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open, researchers at Stony Brook University in New York found severe exposure to building debris was significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia before age 65 versus those who weren't exposed or who wore personalized protective equipment such as masks or hazmat suits. 

The findings, which used data from 5,010 responders who were part of the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program, were consistent even after adjusting for demographic, medical and social factors.