The NIHR Clinical Research Network: West Midlands and the Gas Safety Trust held a roundtable discussion in Birmingham to consider carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the elderly and potential areas for research funding.
The meeting looked in particular at CO in relation to the impact on peoples’ cognitive function as well as potential links to dementia.
Chaired by Dr Susan Bews, an independent Gas Safety Trust trustee, the event brought together local clinicians and researchers who may have ideas for research in this area. The group heard from a number of speakers including Afroza Ahmed (Founder of Dying to Keep Warm), Professor Peter Crome (Clinical Research Network: West Midlands Clinical Lead for Dementia) and Gordon Lishman (Chair of Gas Safe Charity and former Director General, Age Concern).
Attendees identified specific topics of interest and it was agreed that further discussions will take place to develop research proposals.
Although CO is well-known as a toxic gas that can be harmful to humans, it is also naturally produced within the body in small quantities, where it plays a number of important roles such as helping to regulate blood pressure. In the brain, CO acts as a ‘chemical messenger’, helping nerve cells to communicate with each other.
Over 800,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of dementia, with 1 in 20 people over 60 affected and as many as 1 in 5 of those over 80. Symptoms of dementia include memory impairment and cognitive impairment such as effects on language, motor skills and recognition. These symptoms are similar to those displayed by people who have been poisoned by CO.
Dr Susan Bews, Gas Safety Trust said:
"We had a lively and stimulating debate which the Gas Safety Trust hopes will lead to concrete, valuable and feasible research proposals. It is clear that there is a lot that we still do not understand about a possible link between carbon monoxide poisoning and dementia. Elderly people represent one of the most vulnerable and at risk sections of society. With Public Health England projections suggesting that over 1m people will have a diagnosis of dementia by 2025, it is clear that this discussion is both timely and urgently needed.
It was very encouraging to hear the enthusiasm for further research into understanding the risks of low-level CO poisoning for the elderly and particularly the real commitment across a wide range of professionals to work together to reduce the risks for the more vulnerable, for example those with dementia".
