Sunscreen, Alzheimer’s and Aspirin

A worldwide project called Neuro-Nano is exploring the role of human-engineered nanoparticles found in sunscreen and as an additive in some diesel fuels. It’s investigating their connection to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

The study, based at the Biomedical Sciences Institute in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, aims to better understand the ability of toxic nanoparticles to enter the body intravenously or via lungs to reach the brain. Specifically, researchers will look at nanoparticles found in the chemicals titanium dioxide and cerium dioxide.

The brain is highly vulnerable to long-term, low-dose toxicity and lacks efficient clearance mechanisms for removing nanoparticles that may lodge there. The research carries significant implications in the growing concern about neurodegenerative disease.

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Many people who don’t have any diagnosed risks for heart problems take low-dose aspirin in the hope that it will help prevent heart attack and stroke. A famous British study called the Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis trial has found that for healthy individuals there is no preventive aspect in routine use.

“The findings of this study agree with our current advice that people who do not have symptomatic or diagnosed artery or heart disease should not take aspirin, because the risks of bleeding may outweigh the benefits,” says Professor Peter Weissberg of the British Heart Foundation, which in part funded the research.

Strong evidence supports the use of low-dose aspirin to help prevent vascular problems in appropriate patients—those identified by their doctors to be at special risk due to factors such as family history, stress and lifestyle.

—Dr. Bob Goldman
www.WorldHealth.net

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