Although Alzheimer's disease symptoms are known, the exact cause is still being investigated. Since the early days of Alzheimer's research, aluminum has been put forward as one such cause.
Aluminum as Brain Toxin
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder; that aluminum is toxic to the brain has been shown in another brain disorder, dialysis-linked encephalopathy, which can occur in people receiving dialysis containing non-ionized water.
Aluminum's Presence
People with Alzheimer's disease show characteristic brain insults called plaques, which contain a fibrous protein called beta-amyloid, and neurofibrillary tangles, or NFTs, composed of the protein tau. Both plaques and NFTs can contain aluminum.
Aluminum's Role
Aluminum is not directly responsible for plaque development but can be involved in producing a more damaging, soluble form of beta-amyloid protein along with some elements that lead to NFTs.
Possible Link
An April 2010 review paper by Frisardi Vincenza, published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," discussed research suggesting that elderly people who consistently drank water with high aluminum concentrations were prone to develop dementia.
Negative Evidence
Vincenza also detailed studies of aluminum in antacids or tea---where it is at much higher levels than in drinking water---which have not found a link with Alzheimer's disease. There may be other factors linking aluminum to Alzheimer's disease, such as genetics and metabolism, but studies have yet to find conclusive evidence.
References
- "Trends in Pharmacolological Sciences;" Alzheimer's Disease, Metal Ions and Metal Homeostatic Therapy; Paolo Zatta el al; July 2009
- "Journal of Alzheimers Disease; " Aluminum in the Diet and Alzheimer's Disease: From Current Epidemiology to Possible Disease-Modifying Treatment; Frisardi Vincenza et al. April 2010
