25 Years After 9/11, New Research Reveals Lasting Impact on First Responders

Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, new research is examining the lasting health effects of 9/11 on World Trade Center first responders — including evidence of accelerated brain aging associated with toxic exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers studied brain scans from World Trade Center responders who worked at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. The research examined 99 responders, including 47 with chronic PTSD and 52 without it. Researchers found that estimated brain age among responders with PTSD and exposure was approximately three years older than expected. The amount of time responders spent working at the World Trade Center site was also associated with signs of accelerated brain aging. The findings add another dimension to the long-term physical and mental health consequences facing firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, recovery workers and other 9/11 first responders who were exposed to toxic chemicals, dust, debris and severe psychological trauma at Ground Zero. The broader health toll from September 11 continues 25 years later. According to federal data discussed in the segment, approximately 96,000 people have been diagnosed with physical or mental health conditions related to 9/11. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund also continues to compensate people suffering from health effects connected to the attacks. Researchers say the findings are particularly important as the United States marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and a new generation grows up without firsthand memories of September 11, 2001. Washington in Focus Daily examines the new 9/11 first responder brain research, PTSD, toxic exposure at Ground Zero, accelerated brain aging, the continuing health impact of September 11 and why researchers say the experiences of first responders must not be forgotten. #September11 #911 #NeverForget #September11th #911Anniversary #FirstResponders #GroundZero #WorldTradeCenter #PTSD #BrainHealth #911FirstResponders #911Health #FirstResponderHealth #NewYorkCity