Forest Fire Smoke Risks Triggering Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Exposure to forest fire smoke can trigger dangerous inflammation in the brain and potentially contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. These findings were revealed in recent research by scientists at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, United States.
The study, published in the journal Neurotoxicology, provides new insights into the long-term effects of smoke exposure on brain health. This research emerges amidst ongoing forest fires in various countries, including the United States and Indonesia.
According to data from the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 44,000 fires have burned over 4.8 million acres across the United States this year. This figure has exceeded the 10-year average in both the number of fires and the total area burned. In Indonesia, the area of forest and land burned from January to August 2026 reached approximately 202,010.96 hectares, according to government data.
In the study, scientists found that forest fire smoke particles can activate astrocytes, which are specialised cells in the brain that normally function to protect and support brain cells. However, when exposed to smoke particles, astrocytes can become overactive.
This condition causes these cells to release inflammatory molecules in quantities that can damage surrounding neurons. Neurons are the cells responsible for transmitting signals, enabling functions such as movement, memory, and cognitive ability.
“Previous studies have linked exposure to forest fire smoke with an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. We wanted to understand what causes this increased risk,” said the study’s researcher, Adam Schuller, as reported by the Barrow Neurological Institute website on Thursday (3/9/2026).
According to Schuller, their research reveals the existence of specific immune system pathways that play a role in triggering this inflammatory response. The researchers then focused their attention on STING, a protein that functions as one of the body’s natural alarm systems.