QIMR Berghofer dementia researcher Associate Professor Michelle Lupton has designed an unprecedented study that could finally clear the air on this important health question.
"By the time the symptoms of dementia first appear, the disease is already at an advanced stage. The progression of dementia begins up to 20 years before there are any clinical signs," she said.
Associate Professor Michelle Lupton with members of the QIMR Berghofer research team
"The goal of my research is early detection and greater understanding of all dementia risks, so we can delay or prevent dementia. We need to understand if bushfire smoke exposure is a risk factor and how it impacts our brains, so we can do something about it."
Bushfire smoke is a concentrated form of air pollution, largely made up of tiny particles of toxic ash, called PM2.5. These are smaller than a red blood cell, and just a fraction of the diameter of a human hair. When inhaled, PM2.5 enters the blood stream and can also reach the brain.
International studies have found air pollution, including bushfire smoke, is associated with cognitive impairment, inflammation in the brain, and an increased incidence of dementia.
"There is evidence that Australia's uniquely volatile vegetation produces bushfire smoke that is potentially more toxic than bushfire smoke in other countries, so it is important that we research this in an Australian context," A/Prof Lupton said.
The QIMR Berghofer-led study will for the first time investigate the brain health impact of bushfire smoke exposure in Australia's at-risk populations.
QIMR Berghofer's annual summer fundraising appeal aims to raise $374,000 so A/Prof Lupton and her collaborators can recruit and study 1,800 volunteer rural firefighters from around Australia.
As a group on the frontline of bushfires, these community heroes are ideally placed to help researchers understand the impact on brain health.
Rural volunteer firefighters Graham and Gel Peall
The study will gather comprehensive demographic, health, and environmental data, measure historic PM2.5 exposure, study genetic risk factors, and analyse blood samples for biomarkers of brain inflammation and early stage dementia.
Graham and Gel Peall spent decades volunteering as rural firefighters, protecting people and property. Now, they are ready to help again, this time as study participants.
"With bushfires, we know about the obvious things like burns or breathing difficulties. But we need to find out more about whether the smoke can impact the brain. This is about getting the evidence to understand if there is a risk, so we can keep people out of harm's way," Graham said.
The findings could deliver screening tools for all Australians to identify those most at risk or showing early signs of damage, and establish health interventions and early treatments.
A/Prof Lupton said the study is urgently needed: "There is a perfect storm brewing where the number of Australians living with dementia is set to double by 2050. It's on track to become the leading cause of death.
"At the same time, Australians are increasingly being exposed to bushfire smoke, even in city areas, with bushfires becoming more frequent and more intense, and fire seasons lasting longer."
A/Prof Michelle Lupton's late grandad was diagnosed with dementia when he was 65 years old
During the 2019-2020 Black Summer megafires, it is estimated 80 per cent of Australia's population was exposed to bushfire smoke, with air quality deteriorating to levels up to ten times the recommended level.
The researcher understands too well the heartbreak of dementia. Her beloved grandad was just 65 years old and newly retired when his symptoms first appeared.
"I was doing my PhD on the genetics of dementia at the time, but nothing prepared me for how quickly he deteriorated. One of the hardest days was when I realised he no longer recognised me at all," she said.
"I want to ensure no one else is robbed of their retirement like he was. We are living longer, so I want all Australians to enjoy their later years and be as healthy as possible."
The broad expertise of the QIMR Berghofer researchers will enable the issue to be investigated from the cellular level to potential population-wide impacts.
