Expert says finding links Alzheimer's to aluminium

Aluminium foil is a product found in most kitchens. Photo / Getty Images

Professor Chris Exley, from Keele University, says his latest research confirms a link between aluminium and Alzheimer's disease.

The link has been the subject of speculation for many years, with some scientists stating there is not enough evidence to blame the metal, used by thousands for everyday purposes to cook and store food.

But Exley, who wrote about his research in a blog post for The Hippocratic Post, said "We already know that the aluminium content of brain tissue in late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer's disease is significantly higher than is found in age-matched controls."

"So, individuals who develop Alzheimer's disease in their late sixties and older also accumulate more aluminium in their brain tissue than individuals of the same age without the disease."

"In my view, the findings are unequivocal in their confirmation of a role for aluminium in some if not all Alzheimer's disease."

"Ageing is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and aluminium accumulates in human brain tissue with ageing," wrote Exley.

"At the very least, these new results should encourage everyone and even those who have steadfastly maintained that aluminium has no role in the disease to think again."

"I don't believe that is the only factor, but I think it is an important one which should be considered very seriously."

Exley's findings were published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology.