$Unique_ID{BRK01522}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Is Aluminum the Cause of Alzheimer's Disease?}
$Subject{Alzheimer's aluminum}
$Volume{F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Aluminum the Cause of Alzheimer's Disease?


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QUESTION:  I still can't seem to get a firm answer to my question about
aluminum.  I have read that this material is the cause of Alzheimer's disease,
and at my age it is perhaps a little late to do anything about it, but I am
determined to find out all I can.  Do you think I should throw away all my
aluminum pots to try to avoid this disease?

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ANSWER:  The reason your search for a "firm" answer may not be fruitful is
because all the facts may not be in yet, and all the research is not complete.
It is a difficult problem to resolve, because there is so much aluminum around
us, that everyone is exposed to it constantly.  Aluminum is the third most
common element in the earth's crust (after oxygen and silicon).  There is no
known use for aluminum in the workings of the body, and when it is consumed,
most of it is excreted by the kidney.  At most, a normal person has about
30-45 milligrams in the body. (1 ounce equals about 31,000 milligrams).
Aluminum gets into the body because it occurs naturally in the air, drinking
water and some foods (tea leaves, berries, spinach and some herbs and spices)
and can be absorbed by foods cooked in aluminum cookware.  Acidic foods such
as tomatoes, cabbage, cranberry sauce and sauerkraut are amongst the foods
that take up the most.  Aluminum may also be found in antiperspirants,
antacids, buffered aspirin, cosmetics and ointments.  Because aluminum
accumulates in certain diseased brain cells in Alzheimer Disease, some
researchers formulated a cause-effect relationship.  But all scientists do not
agree and there is a real controversy in the literature.  And there is no
absolute recommendation for people who ask the same question as you do.  It
therefore becomes a matter of personal conviction.  If you believe that you do
not wish to run even the remotest of risks, then you may chose to change your
cooking utensils.  Some experts doubt that this will prevent you from
developing Alzheimer's, but you may feel better about the food you prepare for
yourself.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
