Small amounts of certain metals, such as zinc, copper, and iron, are necessary for our bodies to function properly. These are referred to as biometals. Other metals like aluminum are not needed for survival but can be tolerated by the body in low doses. However, for reasons that remain unclear, studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer’s disease often have an imbalance of these metal ions in their brains. Abnormally high concentrations of the aforementioned metals have been found inside of amyloid-beta plaques, the toxic protein deposits that are the hallmark of the Alzheimer’s brain [1]. This observation led some scientists to propose the metal theory of Alzheimer’s disease, which suggests that regular exposure to metals can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s [2]. In this article I briefly will evaluate the evidence for and against the metal theory, and describe how it may affect your life.

Aluminum

Aluminum was the first metal that was proposed…