“The Academic Minute” is a podcast which provides a platform for university researchers to give short descriptions of their work. Between September 21 and September 25, it featured individuals from Florida International University. 

On September 22, its guest was Roberto Lucchini, professor of environmental health sciences, who “leads the World Trade Center research program studying the long-term health effects of toxic exposure and trauma among 9/11 responders who relocated to Florida.”

Dr. Lucchini explains how the experience of first responders on September 11, 2001, carries potentially important lessons for the long-term effects of toxic exposure and trauma on state and local first responders who are called to the scene of a major disaster. 

This research carries lessons on why brain health should be a “part of long-term disaster response.” You can listen to the podcast or view the full transcript in the NPR Podcast Directory for the Academic Minute. (To hear the podcast that was featured on September 21, scroll down.)

The following is an edited version, taken from the transcript.

“Nearly 25 years after September 11, thousands of World Trade Center responders are still living with the health effects of that day. For years, much attention has focused on lung disease, cancer, PTSD and depression. But another question is now emerging: what did 9/11 exposure do to the aging brain?

“At Ground Zero, responders were exposed to more than trauma. They breathed dust, smoke and fumes from collapsed buildings, burning materials and contaminated debris . . .  At the same time, many responders experienced chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD . . .

“In World Trade Center responder studies, researchers have found signs of cognitive impairment, changes in memory and processing speed, and brain changes that resemble features seen in neurodegenerative disease.

“One study found that nearly 18% of responders already showed cognitive impairment at their first evaluation. Another 14% developed mild cognitive impairment over about two and a half years.

“These findings do not mean every responder will develop dementia. But they show why brain health must be part of long-term disaster response . . .”

Note: The NPR link above also leads to other Academic Minute podcasts and transcripts from recent weeks, with some others relevant to state and local government management and performance, as well. Each podcast runs about two and a half minutes.    

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