A new study conducted by JAMA neurology has shown that there might be a connection in high levels of the pesticide DDT and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood levels of DDE, a metabolite of DDT, were measured in 86 patients with Alzheimer’s and 79 patients without the disease. For a majority of the patients, those with Alzheimer’s had DDE levels 3.8 fold greater than those with normal brain function; however, deviations were present. A few patients with Alzheimer’s had lower levels of DDE than those who were healthy and some healthy patients had extremely high levels of DDE. While the results were not perfectly consistent, living in an environment with DDT may be the catalyst to harm brain cells for those who are already at a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. More research is needed, nevertheless. Overall, the results of this small study display a strong connection between DDE and Alzheimer’s, revealing how environmental conditions can greatly impact health.
Reference:
Walton, A. (2014, January 28). Possible Link Between DDT Pesticide Exposure And Alzheimer's Disease. Forbes. Retrieved January 29, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2014/01/28/is-the-pesticide-ddt-linked-to-alzheimers-disease
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