$Unique_ID{BRK00041}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Effect of Aluminum Kitchenware on Alzheimer's Disease}
$Subject{Alzheimer's aluminum foil kitchenware metal central Nervous System
Alzheimers Disease Diseases cookware mental condition conditions memory loss
cook ware}
$Volume{F-1,E-1}
$Log{
Brain Atrophy from Atherosclerosis*0002501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Effect of Aluminum Kitchenware on Alzheimer's Disease


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QUESTION:  I write to inquire concerning the possible detrimental effect of
aluminum kitchenware on Alzheimer's disease.  Is this true, and if so, is the
use of aluminum foil hazardous to one's health?

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ANSWER:  The cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown to date.  However
there are at least four theories which have some merit, one of which concerns
aluminum.  The link between the disease and the metal comes from two recent
findings.  In one, it was found that animal brains developed similar, but not
identical, structures to those found in humans suffering from Alzheimer's
after injections of aluminum into the brain.  It has also been found that the
aluminum content in brains of Alzheimer patients is higher, although other
reports indicate this element increases in all brains as they age.
     The source of this aluminum is thought to be from natural sources, where
aluminum is part of a chemical compound, rather than directly from simple
metallic (elemental) aluminum, as in pots or foil.  Whatever the source,
however, according to the best current thinking, the importance of aluminum as
a cause of Alzheimer's remains uncertain, with more study necessary to clear
up this connection, if any.

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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.