Exposure to Heavy Metals Linked to Dementia

By Lois Thomson

Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to practically double in the next 25 years. Studies have shown that one cause may be exposure to toxic metals, which are quite prevalent in the environment.

From the medications we take, to the water we drink, and sometimes even the air we breathe, metals like lead, cadmium, manganese, and aluminum are widespread.  For example:

• Exposure to cadmium occurs primarily by eating certain foods that may be grown in contaminated soil

• Cigarette smoke is one of the highest sources of cadmium exposure for smokers

• Aluminum is being considered as part of potential method to lessen climate change through injecting aerosols into the lower stratosphere

• The legalization of marijuana in an increasing number of states may intensify the problem, as a study from last year found that users had significantly higher levels of lead and cadmium in their blood and urine compared with non-users

These metals are adept at entering cells and reaching the brains of people who have been exposed.  The accumulation of metal as a result of continued exposure can cause extended deterioration, including severe neurological problems.