Stony Brook Links 9/11 Responder PTSD to 3 Forms of Accelerated Organ Aging
Updated
Updated · Newsday · Jun 27
Stony Brook Links 9/11 Responder PTSD to 3 Forms of Accelerated Organ Aging
3 articles · Updated · Newsday · Jun 27
Summary
A Stony Brook-led study of 393 Sept. 11 first responders found PTSD was tied to accelerated pancreatic, respiratory and metabolic aging, adding measurable physical evidence to long-observed chronic illness risks.
More than 10,000 proteins and metabolites were analyzed in blood plasma, with 232 responders diagnosed with PTSD showing elevated markers linked to pancreatic aging, inflammation and neural dysfunction.
Researchers said the findings help explain higher rates of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and argue PTSD is not only psychological but also a neuropathologic process affecting the body.
About 23% of World Trade Center responders have been diagnosed with PTSD, and advocates say the new biological evidence could strengthen efforts to amend the Zadroga Act so PTSD qualifies for compensation.