Alzheimer's Society comment on lead exposure and risk of Alzheimer's disease, following research in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Lead is well known to have a number of detrimental effects on cells and its not surprising that some of these occur in the brain.

Many people die with plaques and tangles in their brain despite never experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This research does not mention whether the monkeys that had been exposed to lead had any symptoms of dementia or if their behaviour changed as they aged.

It's likely that a number of lifestyle and environmental factors help cause Alzheimer's disease or speed up its progression in some people. We know of a number of genes that can affect a person's risk of Alzheimer's, but most of these only raise the risk a tiny bit. More research is needed to investigate if early life events can influence brain changes that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Note to editors:

• The Alzheimer's Society The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website www.alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

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