Electromagnetic Fields And Prevention Of Alzheimer's Disease
Electromagnetic fields have been linked to alzheimer's
disease, although not strongly. Computers, television sets, electric heating
blankets, and other electrical devices in the home emit magnetic fields that can
disrupt the delicate balance of neurochemistry at the cellular level. One study
of 326 alzheimer patients found that workers with exposure to electromagnetic
fields seemed to develop alzheimer's disease more often [15]. One study of
130,420 deaths from 1982 to 1991 shows that alzheimer's disease clusters among
electrical workers such as welders and utility workers [16]. Another study found
that alzheimer's risk is high among seamstresses, dressmakers, and tailors,
where heavy industrial machinery emits magnetic fields [17]. Electromagnetic
fields can disrupt learning and memory in animals [18]. Two recent studies
failed to find any evidence that electromagnetic fields increase alzheimer risk
[19-20]. For the moment, there does not seem to be any solid evidence one way or
another. In my view, I would avoid excessive exposure to magnetic fields,
wherever possible, until this issue is settled by further study.