It should come as no surprise that DDT isn't good for the environment. However, exposure to this once used pesticide isn't good for your health, either. According to a small research study published in JAMA Neurology, DDT may be linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at Rutgers University are the first to find a connection between this dangerous pesticide and the degenerative brain disease.
Despite the fact that DDT was banned in North America during the 1970s, it is still commonly used in other areas of the world. It is largely used for crop protection and to deal with malaria. A little closer to home, DDT and DDE (the chemical compound left when DDT begins to break down) are still found within North America. While these levels have decreased significantly, the chemical can take many decades to break down completely. That means that this research is relevant to many different countries.
So, what exactly did the research team find? The Rutgers University study discovered that DDT exposure might in fact increase the risk of developing the diseases as well as the severity of the symptoms in men and women over the age of 60. Higher DDE levels were present in Alzheimer's patients involved in the study than those who had not been diagnosed with the disease. In addition, the study indicated that people genetically more at risk to develop Alzheimer's disease might be pushed over the edge, so to speak, thanks to this pesticide.
The study itself looked at 79 people without Alzheimer's disease and 86 people currently diagnosed. From there, they measured their blood levels for DDE. Those with the highest levels were the ones with Alzheimer's or with a high genetic risk of developing the disease. In fact, the levels of DDE were actually about 4 times higher in Alzheimer's patients. It is clear that there is a strong connection between the pesticide and this dementia related disease.... but what does it really mean?
According to the author of the study, Allan Levey, who is the director of Emory's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, "this is one of the first studies identifying a strong environmental risk factor for Alzheimer's disease." In the past, developing the disease has been seen as something totally unavoidable. It has been linked to genetics, diet, and even the luck of the draw. Never before have chemicals and other environmental factors been explored.
The most exciting thing about this newfound link are the doors it opens. Instead of looking into what is already known to cause the disease, other environmental factors can now be examined. Jason R. Richardson, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School said of the study, "these results demonstrate that more attention should be focused on potential environmental contributors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility." While the DDT study certainly expands potential risk factors, it might also be able to improve the lives of Alzheimer's patients. How? The data can be used to identify people at risk of developing the disease by looking for high DDE levels.
While DDT may be a thing of the past, it is still impacting the lives of many today. This new study has certainly opened a lot of eyes. It could be the start of a whole new way of diagnosing - and preventing - Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. David Tal strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.
