New Research Reveals Ongoing Cognitive Issues in 9/11 Responders
Research conducted by the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program suggests that cognitive issues are still prevalent among 9/11 responders, more than two decades after the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center. This ongoing study, led by Dr. Benjamin Luft and his colleagues, focuses on assessing the mental and cognitive health of approximately 13,000 responders.
Previous research has shown that some responders may experience cognitive difficulties earlier in life compared to the general population. Additionally, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains one of the most common ailments among responders and has been associated with cognitive problems and physical illnesses.
Several recent studies published over the past year highlight the need for further investigation into the cognitive problems faced by responders. One study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology examined over 700 responders with chronic PTSD and found a link between cortical atrophy and behavioral impairments. These individuals experienced mental health symptoms as a secondary issue related to cognitive impairments, including motivation, mood, disinhibition, empathy, and psychosis.
Another study, published in Molecular Neurobiology, revealed that there are associations between the duration of WTC exposure and inflammation in responders’ brains. Neuroinflammation was observed in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and memory, as well as throughout the cerebral white matter.
In an effort to better understand responders’ PTSD symptoms, researchers have explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) programs. A study published in Psychological Medicine found that an AI program analyzing responders’ words could predict their current PTSD symptoms and even predict the trajectory of the illness. Furthermore, AI programs are being developed to identify and predict psychological symptoms based on facial expressions and tone of voice captured in video recordings. These advancements may eventually offer objective diagnostic tests for PTSD and other mental disorders.
Moreover, responders have shown a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment compared to individuals their age who did not respond to the 9/11 attacks. A study published in Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring examined approximately 1,000 responders and found associations between WTC exposures and the prevalence of neurodegenerative proteins associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The study concluded that these responders should be monitored for earlier onset dementia.
The research team at Stony Brook is actively involved in ongoing multi-omics research projects. Their goal is to elucidate the pathophysiology of these disorders at a molecular level and identify novel blood-based biomarkers. For instance, a study in Translational Psychiatry identified specific metabolomic-proteomic signatures associated with PTSD, which enhances our understanding of the biological pathways implicated in the disorder.
The findings from these various studies underscore the importance of continued research into the cognitive health of 9/11 responders. By understanding the long-term effects of exposure to the WTC attacks, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions and strategies to support the well-being of these brave individuals.
