Alzheimer’s disease and its association with dietaryaluminum: a review

Abstract

Context: Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease that not only occurs in the adult population. Some cases have also occurred in younger people. This has led to research relating to the ingestion of aluminum (considered a precursor to this disease) including its sources, which in many cases comes from food consumption. Objective: To conduct a literature review to provide an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship to dietary aluminum. Methodology: A literature review was carried out using the Scopus databases Science Direct, SpringerLink, Scielo, ResearchGate, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. In addition, information was obtained from websites. Results: Studies were found which associated aluminum intake in various forms with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies demonstrated the presence of aluminum residue in various prepared foods through direct or indirect migration from utensils, water, or additives used in their preparation. Conclusions: It was identified that some foods can be a high source of aluminum intake due to leaching, direct absorption from the soil, or through the addition of this element via additives or colorants. This has raised awareness because of the link between this metal and Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

• contaminated food
• dementia
• health
• heavy metal
• migration
• water