Aluminum Exposure Again Linked to Alzheimer's Disease (2024)

Aluminum Exposure Again Linked to Alzheimer's Disease (1)

Amyloid-beta (green fluorescence) and aluminum (orange fluorescence) in senile plaque from brain tissue of a familial Alzheimer's disease donor. Credit: Neurobiology, University of Texas at San Antonio

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (JAD) supports a growing body of research that links human exposure to aluminum with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers found significant amounts of aluminum content in brain tissue from donors with familial AD. The study also found a high degree of co-location with the amyloid-beta protein, which leads to early onset of the disease.

"This is the second study confirming significantly high brain accumulation in familial Alzheimer's disease, but it is the first to demonstrate an unequivocal association between the location of aluminum and amyloid-beta in the disease. It shows that aluminum and amyloid-beta are intimately woven in the neuropathology," explained lead investigator Christopher Exley, PhD, Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK.

An association between aluminum and amyloid-beta has been suggested for over 40 years. In an earlier study, brain tissue from donors in the United Kingdom diagnosed with familial AD showed significant accumulations of aluminum. To further understand this relationship, in the current study the researchers measured aluminum in the brain tissue of a cohort of Colombian donors with familial AD who shared a specific mutation. The mutation leads to elevated levels of amyloid-beta, early disease onset, and an aggressive disease etiology. The levels were compared with a control set of brain tissues from donors with no diagnosis of neuropathological disease. They also used aluminum-specific fluorescence microscopy imaging to investigate the relationship between aluminum and amyloid-beta in familial AD.

The results were striking. The aluminum content of the brain tissue from donors with the genetic mutation was universally high, with 42% of tissues having a level considered pathologically significant, and the levels were significantly higher than those in the control set. The imaging studies identified aluminum deposits in all brain tissues studied. They were predominantly co-located with amyloid-beta in senile plaques and occasionally in the brain vasculature. Aluminum was also found separately from amyloid-beta in intracellular compartments including glia and neuronal axons. The results strongly suggest that genetic predispositions known to increase amyloid-beta in brain tissue also predispose individuals to accumulate and retain aluminum in brain tissue.

"Compelling localization of aluminum with a central player in AD, amyloid-beta, strengthens the link of aluminum to the pathogenesis of AD," commented George Perry, PhD, Professor of Biology, Semmes Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Editor-in-Chief of JAD.

"One could envisage increased amyloid-beta in brain tissue as a response to high levels of aluminum content, or that aluminum fosters the accumulation of amyloid-beta," said Dr. Exley. "Either way, the new research confirms my resolve that within the normal lifespan of humans, there would not be any AD if there were no aluminum in the brain tissue. No aluminum, no AD."

Reference:https://www.iospress.nl/ios_news/human-exposure-to-aluminum-linked-to-familial-alzheimers-disease/

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Aluminum Exposure Again Linked to Alzheimer's Disease (2024)

FAQs

Aluminum Exposure Again Linked to Alzheimer's Disease? ›

Although aluminium has been seen in amyloid plaques there is no solid evidence that aluminium is increased in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. No convincing relationship between amount of exposure or aluminium in the body and the development of Alzheimer's disease has been established.

Can aluminum exposure cause Alzheimer's? ›

Whether aluminum can cause Alzheimer's disease is a controversial question. Post-mortem examinations of humans with Alzheimer's disease sufferers show that many have higher amounts of aluminum than normal in their brains.

Is aluminium a cause of dementia? ›

Scientists explored research into the health effects of aluminum exposure in this 2017 review . They searched scientific publications on aluminum links to health, including associations with AD. They concluded that: Exposure to extreme levels of aluminum can cause a specific brain condition with dementia symptoms.

What does aluminum do to your brain? ›

Aluminum, as a known neurotoxicant, contributes to cognitive dysfunction and may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The important reason is that aluminum can enter and be deposited in the brain.

What diseases is aluminum linked to? ›

Some people with kidney disease store a lot of aluminum in their bodies and sometimes develop bone or brain diseases which may be caused by the excess aluminum. Some studies show that people exposed to high levels of aluminum may develop Alzheimer's disease, but other studies have not found this to be true.

Does aluminum foil leach into food? ›

The study clearly showed the occurrence of aluminum contamination of food when it is prepared by baking in aluminum foil. It cannot be concluded that aluminum leakage will occur with each type of food.

Is drinking out of aluminum cans bad for you? ›

Plastic bottles should also not be reused if they show even the slightest sign of cracking, as that could lead to chemical leaching. All this is to say, that when it comes to product safety, it is safe to drink from aluminum cans that are BPA-free. Whether plastic bottled water is safe?

How much aluminum causes Alzheimer's? ›

Although aluminium has been seen in amyloid plaques there is no solid evidence that aluminium is increased in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. No convincing relationship between amount of exposure or aluminium in the body and the development of Alzheimer's disease has been established.

Which metal causes dementia? ›

Lead overall health effects

Specific to this review, lead exposure is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and dementia.

What are the 9 common drugs linked to Alzheimer's? ›

Some anticholinergic drugs linked to dementia risk include:
  • Amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Benztropine (Cogentin)
  • Biperiden (Akineton)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimaphen DM)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton)
  • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Jun 19, 2023

What happens to your body when you stop using aluminum? ›

As your body continues to become accustomed to living without aluminum, its sweat and odor levels will self-regulate and begin to function normally. That means you'll sweat slightly more than when you used antiperspirant, but considerably less than if you were to use nothing at all.

Does aluminum stay in your body forever? ›

An extremely small amount of the aluminum found in antacids will be absorbed. A very small amount may enter through your skin when you come into contact with aluminum. Leave your body Most aluminum in food, water, and medicines leaves your body quickly in the feces.

What foods contain high levels of aluminum? ›

The most commonly used foods that may contain substantial amounts of aluminium-containing food additives are processed cheeses, baking powders, cake mixes, frozen dough, pancake mixes, self-rising flours and pickled vegetables (Lione 1983).

What are the symptoms of too much aluminum? ›

Symptoms
  • Confusion.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Bone pain, deformities, and fractures.
  • Seizures.
  • Speech problems.
  • Slow growth—in children.

What are the symptoms of aluminum toxicity in adults? ›

History. The signs and symptoms of aluminum toxicity are usually nonspecific. Typical presentations in chronic toxicity may include proximal muscle weakness, bone pain, multiple nonhealing fractures, acute or subacute alteration in mental status, and premature osteoporosis.

What deficiency causes Alzheimer's disease? ›

Levels of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, are particularly low in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Over time, different areas of the brain shrink. The first areas usually affected are responsible for memories.

Why you should not wrap food in aluminium foil? ›

Aluminium is significantly more likely to leach into food, and at higher levels, in acidic and liquid food solutions like lemon and tomato juice than in those containing alcohol or salt. Leaching levels climb even more when spice is added to food that's cooked in aluminium foil.

Should I stop using aluminum foil? ›

Aluminum foil isn't considered dangerous, but it can increase the aluminum content of your diet by a small amount. If you are concerned about the amount of aluminum in your diet, you may want to stop cooking with aluminum foil. However, the amount of aluminum that foil contributes to your diet is likely insignificant.

Is storing hot food in aluminum foil safe? ›

Aluminum foil locks moisture and odor in and keeps the food fresh but hot and acidic foods should not be put in aluminum foil as the aluminum will leach into the item.” Although aluminum foil is there to keep your food warm, it doesn't harm to try other alternatives too as suggested by experts.

Is it better to drink out of aluminum or plastic? ›

Aluminum Water Bottles Are Safe

The CDC states that aluminum is not harmful, making it a good alternative to even BPA-free plastic water bottles, and especially so against plastic water bottles that have BPA. Along with being a generally safe material, aluminum is hygienic.

Are aluminum cans worse than plastic bottles? ›

The Environmental Protection Agency says aluminum cans have about 68 percent recycled content compared to just 3 percent for plastic bottles in the United States. As a result, aluminum is widely seen as the better choice for the environment.

Is it better to drink out of an aluminum can or plastic bottle? ›

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, keeps your drinks cold, does not leach harmful chemicals, and doesn't risk a spill. These benefits alone make aluminum water bottles an obvious choice over single-use plastic.

Is zinc good for Alzheimer's? ›

In addition, zinc has multifactorial functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Zinc is critical in the enzymatic nonamyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and in the enzymatic degradation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide.

What removes amyloid plaque from the brain? ›

Anti-amyloid antibodies work by alerting the immune system to the presence of amyloid plaques and directing a cleanup crew called microglia to clear out such debris.

How do you dissolve amyloid plaques naturally? ›

Alzheimer's Amyloid Plaque Removal May Be Aided By Vitamin D And Omega 3. In a small pilot study, a team of US researchers has discovered how vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids may help the immune system clear the brain of amyloid plaques, one of the physical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

What common household item triggers dementia? ›

1. Margarine. A University of Minnesota study found a possible link between diacetyl (an ingredient in margarine) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia.

How do you detox your brain from heavy metals? ›

Dietary fiber: Various foods rich in fiber, such as fruit and grains with bran, may help remove heavy metals. Researchers have found fiber to reduce mercury levels in the brain and blood.

Does anything trigger dementia? ›

Low levels of certain nutrients. Not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals in your diet can cause dementia symptoms. This includes not getting enough thiamin, also known as vitamin B-1, which is common in people with alcohol use disorder.

What is the biggest contributor to Alzheimer's? ›

Age. Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's, as it is for most types of dementia. This means that a person is more likely to get Alzheimer's as they get older. Above the age of 65, a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years.

What is the 5 word memory test? ›

Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.

Is Benadryl linked to dementia? ›

Current research has yet to link Benadryl® use to the risk of developing dementia. Because Benadryl® belongs to a class of medications which shows possible link to dementia, it is best avoided in the those over 65. Benadryl® also increases the likelihood of falling, blurry vision, and urinary problems.

Why wear aluminum free deodorant? ›

Allow your body to sweat naturally

Aluminum-free deodorants do not block perspiration, so your sweat flows freely with no blockages or interruption to your natural body function.

Why switch to aluminum free deodorant? ›

Antiperspirants use aluminum salts to block your apocrine sweat glands from stimulating underarm sweat. Aluminum free deodorants, as these are focused on blocking odor versus blocking sweat, contain antibacterial ingredients to kill those odor-causing bacteria that live off your sweat protein.

Is it better to use aluminum free deodorant? ›

The good news is, aluminum-free deodorant provides odor protection that's just as good as formulas that contain aluminum. If you're looking to neutralise body odor and sweating isn't a concern, aluminum-free deodorant will be just what you need.

What are the symptoms of heavy metals in the brain? ›

Common symptoms of poisoning from these metals may include gastrointestinal, renal, and neurological symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, psychosis, stupor, coma, and convulsions.

How do you test aluminum levels in your body? ›

Description. The Aluminum blood test determines the amount of aluminum in the blood and can be a useful tool in the diagnosis and ongoing assessment of aluminum poisoning. Aluminum is one of the most common elements of the earth's crust and the most prominent metal.

Are potatoes high in aluminum? ›

But, some foods such as potatoes, spinach and tea may contain high levels of aluminium naturally.

Is there aluminum in chocolate? ›

Schlegel and Richter [29] analysed ten cocoa and chocolate samples and found between 50 and 150 mg kg-1 aluminium concentrations [29] which is within the same range as the values found in the present study.

Do bananas contain aluminum? ›

The highest Al level found in fruit was that reported by González-Weller et al. [25] in bananas from Spain, with a mean content of 32.8 mg/kg. This concentration is much higher than that found by Soni et al., [15] in bananas from USA, with a mean concentration of 0.40 mg/kg.

What products contain aluminum? ›

Your kitchen is home to more aluminum than you know; fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, pots and pans, and more can be made with aluminum. It's also often used in smartphones and laptops to give them weight and durability. In fact, an iPhone is about 24% aluminum alloy!

What are 4 foods that trigger Alzheimer's? ›

Many foods in the Western diet have been identified as risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's, including red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, and desserts. Excess alcohol intake, saturated fatty acids, and foods with a high number of calories are also risk factors for Alzheimer's.

What are 3 causes of Alzheimer's? ›

The causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

What is the best vitamin to prevent Alzheimer's? ›

Vitamin C has been shown to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 20% when taken with vitamin E. To take advantage of its fullest benefits, you should take a dose of 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day.

What are the symptoms of being exposed to aluminum dust? ›

* Exposure to Aluminum can cause “metal fume fever.” This is a flu-like illness with symptoms of metallic taste in the mouth, headache, fever and chills, aches, chest tightness and cough. The symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure and usually last for a day or two.

Is aluminum absorbed through the skin? ›

Although aluminum is absorbed through the skin (11, 12), the penetration rate of aluminum chlorohydrate following the dermal application of antiperspirants is extremely low at around 0.01% (in two subjects [11]) and up to 0.06% in pre-damaged skin (in vitro [13]).

How do you detox your body from aluminium? ›

Aluminum detox would require a large number of antioxidants, and the best way to do this is to add as many green leafy vegetables to your diet as possible. Make sure you have enough veggies like broccoli, cucumbers, kale, spinach, celery, sprouts, and arugula in your diet.

How do you get rid of aluminum toxicity in your body? ›

Treatment of aluminum toxicity includes elimination of aluminum exposure (eg, from diet, total parenteral nutrition, dialysate, medications, antiperspirants) and an attempt to eliminate the element from the body's stores through chelation.

How do you check aluminum levels in your body? ›

Description. The Aluminum blood test determines the amount of aluminum in the blood and can be a useful tool in the diagnosis and ongoing assessment of aluminum poisoning. Aluminum is one of the most common elements of the earth's crust and the most prominent metal.

What is the #1 root cause of Alzheimer's? ›

Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.

What 7 things trigger Alzheimer's? ›

Here are the factors researchers identified – and why they're associated with a higher risk.
  • Education level. A lower education level is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. ...
  • Cognitive activity. ...
  • Hypertension in mid-life. ...
  • Orthostatic hypotension. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • BMI. ...
  • Head trauma. ...
  • Hyperhom*ocysteinaemia.
Jul 22, 2020

What does aluminum toxicity look like? ›

History. The signs and symptoms of aluminum toxicity are usually nonspecific. Typical presentations in chronic toxicity may include proximal muscle weakness, bone pain, multiple nonhealing fractures, acute or subacute alteration in mental status, and premature osteoporosis.

What are three sources of exposure to aluminum? ›

Residues of aluminum compounds can be found in drinking water, food, air, medicine, deodorants, cosmetics, packaging, many appliances and equipment, buildings, transportation industries, and aerospace engineering. Exposure to high levels of aluminum compounds leads to aluminum poisoning.

How much aluminum is toxic? ›

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the US Department of Health and Human Services has set the minimum risk level for oral aluminum intake at 1 mg/kg per day. The aluminum that does make it to the bloodstream is more than 80% bound to transferrin.

How long does it take for aluminium to leave your body? ›

It can take up to 30 days for your body to fully detox from aluminium. A two to four week transition period can be expected.

How long does aluminum stay in your body? ›

Aluminum causes oxidative stress within brain tissue. Since the elimination half-life of aluminum from the human brain is 7 years, this can result in cumulative damage via the element's interference with neurofilament axonal transport and neurofilament assembly.

Does aluminum build up in the body? ›

Aluminum accumulates in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid where it competes with calcium for absorption and can affect skeletal mineralization.

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