 | Click the icon to see an image of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. |
Although no specific virus has been linked to Alzheimer's, some researchers theorize that people with a genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer's may be vulnerable to the actions of certain viruses, particularly under circumstances when the immune system may be weakened.
Metals. Some laboratory studies have reported excessive amounts of metal ions such as zinc, copper in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease. Such ions may possibly change the chemical architecture of normal beta amyloid, making it more harmful. A mildly acidic environment appears to be important in the process that binds these metals to beta amyloid. Experts observe that such conditions (acidic environment and higher levels of zinc and copper) commonly occur as part of the inflammatory response to local injury.
Electromagnetic Fields. Some studies on people exposed to intense electromagnetic fields (EMF) have reported a higher incidence of Alzheimer's. However, the association between EMF and Alzheimer's is very weak.
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