Does Aluminum Cause Alzheimer’s?

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Q: Does ingesting aluminum increase your risk of Alzheimer’s? Should I turn to natural remedies for heartburn or is the aluminum in some heartburn medications harmless?

A: Taken on an occasional basis, antacids that contain aluminum usually are safe and effective. However, taking more than the recommended dose has been known to cause constipation, muscle weakness, swelling of the wrists and ankles, and even bone pain. In fact, taking too much of any antacid formulation has the potential to cause unwanted side effects. While there has been concern that exposure to high levels of aluminum may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, no true link or conclusive evidence has been found.

The two biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s are advanced age and having a close relative affected by this disease. Several other triggers have been suggested to increase the risk; they include, but aren’t limited to, repetitive head trauma, low educational level, and environmental concerns such as viruses, mercury and aluminum. However, no scientifically sound or peer reviewed study has shown these to cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Unfortunately, even with all the advances in medical technology today, it still isn’t possible to predict who will be affected and who will be spared. That’s why it is very important to get the proper information regarding the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis as well as treatment for this devastating disease. For further information, please go to the website of the National Alzheimer’s Association.

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Robert Danoff, D.O., M.S., is a family physician and program director of The Family Practice Residency, as well as the combined Family Practice/Emergency Medicine Residency programs at Frankford Hospitals, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, Pa. He is the medical correspondent for CN8, The Comcast Network, a regular contributor to Discovery Health Online and a contributing writer to The New York Times Special Features. (Read his full bio.)