New Study Shows Link Between Cognitive Impairment and Exposure to 9/11 Dust

Research indicates that, as time passes, individuals who were repeatedly exposed to WTC particulate matter may have a greater chance of developing mild cognitive impairment and other neurological complications like alterations in white matter connectivity. This may put them at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Research on the link between cognitive impairment and exposure to 9/11 dust is ongoing. Previous research in 2019 by the WTCHP looked at how both 9/11-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and exposure to WTC dust and particulate matter may lead to cognitive impairment. 

A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital looking at the effects of exposure to WTC particulate matter has shown a link between cognitive impairment in mice and exposure to the toxic particulate matter from the WTC. The effects of the 9/11 dust is devastating, including the known and proven link to thousands of cases of 9/11-related cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and over 70+ other types of cancer. 

While research is ongoing and more needs to be done to understand the link, it is clear that those exposed to the toxic dust and WTC particulate matter should be aware of the risks and of the possible symptoms that may show up even years after the event, and they should consult with a medical professional for ongoing medical monitoring, with a preference for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). 

An Overview of the WTC Health Program

The WTCHP is a federal health program that was created in 2011 along with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The WTCHP was set up to provide medical monitoring and treatment for people who were injured due to exposure to the dust and debris of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

The program provides no-cost medical care and monitoring for over 122,000 people who have developed certified 9/11-related health conditions due to being exposed to the dust and debris at the WTC, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, PA crash site. Those served by the WTCHP include rescue and recovery workers, local residents and students, and those who worked in the area. The WTCHP also provides for medical research into both physical and mental health conditions related to 9/11 toxic dust exposures. The program is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is authorized through 2090.

The 9/11 VCF is a separate program for 9/11 survivors (including downtown area residents, workers, and students), first responders, and rescue workers. The VCF provides financial compensation to those who were present during the terrorist attacks and have developed a 9/11-related health condition as a result of their exposure, or to the family members of people who have died as a result of a 9/11-related health condition, including just about any cancer. Compensation is available for both economic and non-economic losses and can help with expenses such as funerals, lost household services, lost benefits, and more. You may register with the VCF at any time, but the VCF requires that you certify your condition with the WTCHP before filing a claim for compensation.

A WTCHP-qualifying health condition is defined as “a diagnosed illness or health condition (including mental health conditions) for which an individual’s exposure to airborne toxins, any other hazard, or any other adverse condition resulting from the 9/11 terrorist attacks is substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition” (42 CFR §88.1). These conditions include aerodigestive disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, many types of cancers, mental health conditions, cognitive impairment, and traumatic injuries that have been linked to the terrorist attacks. 

While the WTCHP provides care for mental health conditions such as PTSD and cognitive impairment, the 9/11 VCF does not provide compensation for mental health issues or any non-physical conditions.

What is Cognitive Impairment? 

Cognitive impairment is a physical condition in which a person experiences a decline in their ability to think, remember, and reason. Short and long-term memory, spatial working memory, and object recognition are all areas of cognitive functioning that can be affected by cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is an intermediate state between a cognitive function that is normal and dementia. Dementia is usually but not always preceded by cognitive impairment, but not all individuals with cognitive impairment will progress to a state of dementia. 

Cognitive impairment can be caused by a variety of conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, and other conditions. It can also be caused by diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, as well as certain medications, prolonged alcohol or drug use, and exposure to toxins like those found in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 

The effects of cognitive impairment can be far-reaching, impacting the person’s ability to perform daily activities, work, and enjoy life in the same way, often leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Cognitive impairment can also have an effect on a person’s social life, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships and interact with others.

In order to diagnose cognitive impairment, a physician will typically conduct a physical and neurological exam as well as a mental status examination. This may involve testing memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. Depending on the results, further testing such as imaging or laboratory tests may be ordered.

Treatment of cognitive impairment depends on the underlying cause and can range from medications, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and even lifestyle changes. Cognitive training and other strategies may also be used to help the person cope with their cognitive impairment.

The Newest Study From Mount Sinai Hospital 

Recent research from Mount Sinai Hospital focused on the long-term effects of exposure to 9/11 dust and has uncovered a concerning new link between exposure to the WTC toxic dust and cognitive impairment.  In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, the study found that mice exposed to the WTC dust had higher levels of cognitive impairment than those who were not exposed to WTC dust.

The study, titled “Exposure to World Trade Center Dust Exacerbates Cognitive Impairment and Evokes a Central and Peripheral Pro-Inflammatory Transcriptional Profile in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease,” was conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published January 17, 2023 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Researchers showed that mice exposed to dust from the WTC were significantly impaired in both long and short-term memory and spatial recognition, as well as alterations to genes associated with blood-brain barrier disruption and immune-inflammatory response, as compared with the control group. 

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital began with the hypothesis that first responders who were repeatedly exposed to Ground Zero dusts in the first week after the attacks would be at greater risk of age-related neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias based on suspected changes in blood-brain barrier permeability and/or neuroimmune interactions. 

To test this hypothesis, the researchers used mice that have been genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s disease as treatment subjects and they used wild-type mice for the controls. Mice in the treatment group were repeatedly exposed to both high and low doses of WTC particulate matter over the course of three weeks. Y-maze assay and novel object recognition behavioral tests were then performed for working memory deficits and learning and recognition memory, as well as a transcriptomic analysis (study of the complete set of RNA transcripts that are produced in the genome) in the blood and hippocampus of both groups of mice. Analysis showed that exposure to WTC particulate matter coincided with an array of disruptions in immune function, cell signaling, and homeostatic functioning.

The researchers believe that the cognitive impairment seen in those exposed to the WTC dust may be due to the presence of a variety of toxic substances in the dust, including asbestos fibers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to cause neurological damage.

While the findings of the study are concerning, the researchers caution that more research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of exposure to WTC dust. Additionally, they note that it is important for first responders and survivors of the disaster to receive ongoing medical monitoring and treatment for any possible 9/11-related health issues.

What the Results Say

The results from the Mount Sinai study suggest that first responders and others who were repeatedly exposed to dust from the WTC terrorist attacks are more likely to experience a peripheral-brain immune inflammatory cross-talking response that can lead to cognitive decline and put those exposed at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Exposure to WTC particulate matter may be associated with both long and short-term memory and spatial recognition, as well as alterations to genes associated with blood-brain barrier dysfunction and immune-inflammatory response

Overall, this new study underscores the importance of taking steps to protect those exposed to hazardous materials such as the WTC particulate matter. It also highlights the need for further research into the potential long-term effects of such exposures.

How Our Experienced 9/11 Attorneys Can Help

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our experienced 9/11 attorneys are dedicated to helping those who were exposed to the toxic dust and debris as a result of the terrorist attacks receive the medical care and compensation they deserve. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing those affected by the terrorist attacks, including those with mild cognitive impairment, PTSD, various cancers, and other medical issues related to their exposure. We are committed to helping our clients through the World Trade Center Health Program and securing the VCF compensation they need and deserve. Our dedicated 9/11 attorneys will walk you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started.