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- About 1 million people develop Alzheimer’s disease in France.
- It is rare in people under 65 years of age.
- For 20 years, the age of onset of the disease has been declining. Some cases are detected between the ages of 30 and 40.
Although Alzheimer’s disease was identified at the beginning of the twentieth century, its exact causes remain difficult to determine. Only 1.2 to 2% of cases are hereditary according to Inserm. Recently, an American researcher became interested in possible environmental causes. In works published in Current Alzheimer’s ResearchMartin L. Ball, professor emeritus of biochemistry and medicine at the University of Washington, has developed the theory of the association between electromagnetic fields and the early onset of disease. However, they are increasingly present in our daily lives, via the electronic devices we use.
Effects on intracellular calcium levels
The link between these EMFs and Alzheimer’s disease comes from calcium: for nearly 25 years, scientists have been interested in the effect of this chemical element on pathology. Studies have shown that excess calcium in cells can be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of calcium in the cells leads to various changes in the brain, two of which lead to the development of the disease. First, it generates an increase in amyloid protein accumulations, which then form amyloid plaques in the brain. It can also lead to various less specific neurodegenerative changes, such as those related to tau protein, oxidative stress and inflammation. He went, Electromagnetic fields act on our cells by activating voltage-dependent calcium channels (VGCC). Their activation causes a rapid rise in intracellular calcium levels. “Therefore, exposure to electromagnetic fields results in changes that lead to an increase in intracellular calcium, The study author develops. This accumulation explains the effect of Alzheimer’s disease on the brain.“
Increased exposure to electromagnetic fields
However, electronically generated pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used in radio communications and produce strong electric and magnetic waves. Previous studies, conducted in animal models, showed its effect on calcium levels within cells and on the brain. “Electromagnetic fields work through time-varying electric ripples and magnetic forcesProfessor Pal says. These peaks have increased exponentially, with each increase in pulse modulation brought about by smarter cell phones, smart meters, smart cities and radars in self-driving vehicles.” In his latest study, he compiled evidence from the scientific literature that demonstrates the links between these EMFs and the early onset of the disease. Among them, 12 recent assessments of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields showed a higher incidence of disease in persons occupationally exposed to these fields. Other research in mice showed that exposure to electromagnetic pulses led to neurodegeneration.
The need for more research
“Very young people exposed to radiation from cell phones or Wi-Fi for several hours a day can develop digital dementia.”As Martin L. says: According to him, it is urgent to continue research on this topic.The results of each of these studies should be shared with the general public.Martin L. Ball estimates, So everyone can take steps to reduce the incidence of early forms of Alzheimer’s disease“.
