Part 2 Part 3
Scientists, doctors, and others of their ilk, have been pursuing the root causes of dementia for some time now. They’ve made some interesting findings as well as predictions; however, for this post, we’ll begin delving into some of the interesting theories of what may be causing the increase of the disease/syndrome (there is actually debate as to whether or not dementia is a syndrome rather than disease, but that’s another day), so you might have some better information and more questions to ponder during your day.
Scientists, doctors, and others of their ilk, have been pursuing the root causes of dementia for some time now. They’ve made some interesting findings as well as predictions; however, for this post, we’ll begin delving into some of the interesting theories of what may be causing the increase of the disease/syndrome (there is actually debate as to whether or not dementia is a syndrome rather than disease, but that’s another day), so you might have some better information and more questions to ponder during your day.
To define “Environment” seems to be another task. In much of the literature written and available, the term can be that of the cellular and/or genetic environment of the subject. While evidence suggests that for many there is a predisposition to dementia, and we may introduce the technical term later in the post (of which I’m not quite sure how many parts there will be, as I have discovered a small, yet vital, treasure trove of articles and excerpts that I will be scrutinizing and implementing) I heartily doubt it will appear as you may wish it today.
Environment, for the purposes of this post, will be anything that is in our daily lives - external of the body, for the most part. Yes, That would be a nice way to put it; keeping a simple definition usually is best.
Well, let’s see what we have first - Oh! Lead.
Lead is an element that used to be used in paint, and could also be present in other forms. Exposure in the early years of life has been shown to lead to neurodegeneration in later life as this element can cross the blood-brain barrier and wreak havoc in the neuro-transmitters and create cognitive decline as well as other harmful symptoms. In other words, it’s not a good thing. Unfortunately, this and the following element, Aluminum, are both found readily in our daily lives and we are exposed whether we like it or not.
I remember as a child, sitting in my first and second grade classes being shown informational films on the dangers of lead paint. I could never understand what this meant - I mean, I was young and they told of dangers of eating paint chips. Really?! Eat paint chips? Who would do such a thing? This was nothing I had ever considered until they told us not to do it. I then began to wonder what would happen if I did! I’m not sure I ever was able to locate these - but later it was explained that they tasted sweet, and the low-income children might have such exposure due to boredom, lack of education, and hunger. Well, luckily they don’t have much of such a thing around any more.
Aluminum is another toxic element that is, actually, quite prevalent in our food, these days. I recall when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that this was a theory of causation. While I considered it plausible, I wasn’t sure how we could eat with so many types of aluminum pans and pots and more people weren’t affected. Well - guess what! We ingest it regularly in more ways than you can imagine! It is used to make water clear, in food dyes, to help salt pour more freely, and it also helps baked foods rise. Now, ain’t that a kicker! Did you know that there is a threshold as to how much you can ingest and not be affected? Well, there is. Most people don’t take in that much, but it also depends on your diet, as well. They have found that a single serving of some pancakes contain 5 times the daily dosage of what was considered to be the threshold dosage attributed to old age memory loss - and if eaten chronically, this would, in turn, create such a dilemma for the subject. Foods such as some baking powders, pancake/waffle mixes, frozen foods, and frozen waffles/pancakes contain the greatest amounts of aluminum - so, eaters beware! (environmental Factors in the Development of Dementia)
Believe it or not, there was an experiment performed by injecting aluminum directly into the brain and they discovered it created plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s!
[NB - Studies in the 60's and 70's have debunked the Aluminum Theory, however, in combination with other elements, I believe there still could be cause for concern]
[NB - Studies in the 60's and 70's have debunked the Aluminum Theory, however, in combination with other elements, I believe there still could be cause for concern]
While these two elements are present - it’s the “over-ingestion” of them that does the damage. I find it rather disturbing that the FDA hasn’t done anything about the levels in the food, and that more isn’t being done to educate parents and adults about the dangers of the exposures!
While I didn’t go into great details about the actual effects of these elements, I will trust that you might wish to find more information at the following resources (See Also Part 2):
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