Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article reviews the potential links between exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and manganese, and the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementias. The article discusses the neurotoxic effects of these metals, particularly how they disrupt cellular function, contribute to neuroinflammation, and accumulate in the brain, potentially exacerbating Alzheimer’s pathology. The review integrates experimental data and epidemiological studies to highlight the increasing concern about environmental exposure to these metals and their long-term impact on brain health. It also calls for further longitudinal studies to confirm the role of these metals in the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Who is affected?
The populations most at risk are individuals with prolonged exposure to lead, cadmium, and manganese, particularly older adults and those living in areas with higher environmental contamination. Workers in industries such as mining, welding, and battery manufacturing are at a higher risk of exposure, as are communities living near industrial sites or areas where heavy metal contamination is prevalent. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those exposed to these metals during vulnerable periods of neurodevelopment, such as in childhood, may experience exacerbated cognitive decline later in life.
Most important findings
The review emphasizes several important findings, notably that lead, cadmium, and manganese have significant neurotoxic effects that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Lead exposure, even at low levels, is linked to cognitive decline, particularly through its accumulation in bones and its eventual release into the bloodstream in older adults. Cadmium, a non-essential metal, is associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology. Manganese, an essential trace metal, becomes neurotoxic at high exposure levels, causing cognitive impairment, and its accumulation in the brain is linked to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The review also highlights that no direct longitudinal studies yet conclusively link these metals to Alzheimer’s disease, but the available evidence suggests a strong association between heavy metal exposure and cognitive dysfunction.
Key implications
The findings underscore the need for stricter environmental regulations to limit exposure to lead, cadmium, and manganese, particularly in high-risk populations. Public health policies should focus on reducing environmental contamination, especially in residential areas with older buildings that may still contain lead-based paint or pipes. Health professionals, including neurologists, epidemiologists, and public health officials, must increase awareness about the long-term risks of heavy metal exposure and work towards better screening and early intervention. Industries that produce or handle these metals should implement rigorous safety standards to protect workers, while also reducing emissions of heavy metals into the environment. Furthermore, food manufacturers should ensure that their products, especially those sourced from areas known for contamination, undergo regular testing for heavy metal residues to mitigate the risk to consumers.
Citation
Bakulski, K. M., Seo, Y. A., Hickman, R. C., Brandt, D., Vadari, H. S., Hu, H., & KyunPark, S. (2020). Heavy Metals Exposure and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease : JAD, 76(4), 1215. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200282
Heavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
