New research from researchers at Mainz University Medical Center in Germany pokes a major hole in theories that power lines or electric household appliances could cause Alzheimer's disease. This controversial idea was initially supported by observational research (e.g., a 2009 study) that associated living within 50 meters of power lines with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. But subsequent observational research found no association. More importantly, no biological rationale existed to support the idea that electromagnetic fields caused Alzheimer's disease.
The new study demonstrated that exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic fields similar to those produced by power lines and electric household appliances does not in any way affect Alzheimer's disease progression or disease mechanisms. The researchers tightly controlled animals' exposure to magnetic fields and observed them over 18 months, something impossible to do in previous human observational studies. They saw no changes in the biology of the mice or in the way Alzheimer's disease progressed, (i.e., it wasn't accelerated). These findings bolster the human observational research that concluded electromagnetic fields do not cause Alzheimer's disease.
Photo: deanoakley
Aaron Carman, PhD, was previously the Assistant Director of Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Dr. Carman received his doctorate in microbiology and molecular genetics from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
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