The: Questions You May Have

Due to the accelerated pace of The research, consumers hear reports of research "breakthroughs" in the news every day--on television, in newspapers, and on the radio. Unfortunately, the news is often poorly reported or contradictory, making it difficult to distinguish myth from reality.

Will vitamin E protect you from The? Is it time to get rid of your aluminum pots and pans because you're afraid they're putting you at risk for the disease? These are the kinds of questions that arise as a result of conflicting news reports of "breakthrough" research.

Following are answers to these and other common questions that will help you dispel the myths of the disease.

Is the disease hereditary?
The occurs in two forms--early-onset and late-onset. The early-onset form of the disease is very rare and affects people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. It has been linked to three different genes and has been observed in only 120 families worldwide; individuals who carry one of the early-onset genes will most likely develop the disease.

Much more common is the late-onset form of the disease, which occurs after age 65 and accounts for more than 90 percent of all cases of The. It is unclear whether a genetic abnormality, environmental factors, or a combination of both causes this form of the disease.

What is known is that a person's risk of developing The at any given age appears to be slightly increased if he or she has a first-degree relative with the disease, such as a brother, sister, or parent.

Can vitamin E protect me from The?
At this time, vitamin E is not recommended specifically for the treatment of The because there is no direct evidence that vitamin E prevents the disease. However, because previous research has demonstrated that vitamin E has other health benefits, there appears to be no reason not to take it in moderation--provided you have discussed it with your physician. In some individuals, vitamin E may be associated with increased bleeding.

Can ginkgo biloba prevent The?
Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that may have positive effects on cells within the brain and the body. Ginkgo is thought to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.

Research into the use of ginkgo for the treatment of the disease is still preliminary. Further study of ginkgo is necessary to fully understand its potential therapeutic value in treating individuals with The and to uncover possible side effects associated with extensive or prolonged use.

Can head injury lead to The?
Several studies have found that the disease is more common among individuals who have sustained a severe head injury (accompanied by loss of consciousness) during the course of their lives. What remains unclear is whether head trauma is a result of falls during the early stages of The or whether The results from an earlier head trauma. Additional research is necessary to fully understand the association between the disease and head injury.

Does aspartame cause memory loss?
Aspartame's role in memory loss is one of the many health scares associated with artificial sweeteners over the years. Several studies have been conducted on aspartame's effect on cognitive function in both animals and humans. These studies found no scientific evidence to link aspartame to memory loss.

In 1996, the FDA approved aspartame for use in all foods and beverages. The sweetener, marketed as Nutrasweet and Equal, is made by joining 10 percent methanol with two protein components (aspartic acid and phenylalanine). Methanol is widely found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods.

Can I get The from drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans?
Based on current research, getting rid of aluminum cans, pots, and pans will not protect you from the disease.

Aluminum is one of 90 naturally occurring chemical elements. It is the third most common element found in the earth's crust, after oxygen and silicon. The focus of ongoing research is to clarify how aluminum affects the body and whether it is a factor in the disease.

Currently, most researchers believe that there is not enough evidence to consider aluminum a risk factor.