Mercury Induced Alzheimer’s Disease

Title

Ely J. T. A., Mercury Induced Alzheimer’s Disease: Accelerating Incidence?

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine whether the mercury contained within amalgam restorations increased the likelihood of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease.  The study seeks to bring into light the connection between a condition called micromercurialism, a form of mercury poisoning following low-dose mercury exposure over a prolonged period of time, and amalgam. The study will attempt to support the controversial claim that micromercurialism is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

The amount of mercury (Hg°) released from amalgams was determined using a Jeronome Model 411 Mercury Vaporizer Analyzer powered by a portable battery. Subjects used in the study were found in a meeting on mental illness and had either requested to participate in the study or consented to it. An initial mercury reading was obtained 30 seconds prior to a gum chewing session and then again after the gum chewing session (for this reading, the participant’s teeth was dried and the participant was asked to hold his or her breath for 10 seconds). By blowing air into the mercury vaporizer, the mercury level contained within the air sample could be determined and displayed as a digital readout. Mercury levels were compared before and after gum chewing (by blowing air into a mercury vaporizer) for two participants.