ALZHEIMER&amp;apos;S DISEASE, DENTAL AMALGAM AND MERCURY

Saxe, Stanley R.; Wekstein, Merle W.; Kryscio, Richard J.; Henry, Robert G.; Cornett, Charles; Snowdon, David A.; Grant, Ford T.; Schmitt, Frederick A.; Donegan, Sara Jean; Wekstein, David R.; Ehmann, W. D.; Markesbery, William R.

doi:10.14219/jada.archive.1999.0168

Cited by 67 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Mercury levels in pituitary glands of AD patients were found to be similar to those of controls (110). In a study of 56 AD patients and 21 controls, Saxe et al (111) found no significant association of AD with number, surface area, or history of having dental amalgam restorations. Mercury levels in the brain were the same in AD and control patients.…”

Section: Adverse Effectsmentioning

confidence: 90%

The three modern faces of mercury.

Clarkson

2002

Environ Health Perspect

880

546

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Section: Adverse Effectsmentioning

confidence: 90%

The three modern faces of mercury.

Clarkson

2002

Environ Health Perspect

880

546

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…One study reported higher mercury levels in brains and lower mercury levels in nails of 3 AD patients compared to 10 controls but due to the small patient number cannot be considered conclusive [106]. Four studies found either no significant differences or slightly and non-significantly lower levels in AD brains compared with controls [107][108][109][110].…”

Section: Mercury Exposure Accumulation and Excretion In Ad Patientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Inorganic Mercury Play a Role in Alzheimer's Disease? A Systematic Review and an Integrated Molecular Mechanism

Mutter¹,

Curth

Naumann³

et al. 2010

JAD

147

113

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Abstract. Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to humans. It has been introduced into the human environment and has also been widely used in medicine. Since circumstantial evidence exists that the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be in part caused or exacerbated by inorganic mercury, we conducted a systematic review using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies were screened according to a pre-defined protocol. Two reviewers extracted relevant data independent of each other. One thousand and forty one references were scrutinized, and 106 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most studies were case control or comparative cohort studies. Thirty-two studies, out of 40 testing memory in individuals exposed to inorganic mercury, found significant memory deficits. Some autopsy studies found increased mercury levels in brain tissues of AD patients. Measurements of mercury levels in blood, urine, hair, nails, and cerebrospinal fluid were inconsistent. In vitro models showed that inorganic mercury reproduces all pathological changes seen in AD, and in animal models inorganic mercury produced changes that are similar to those seen in AD. Its high affinity for selenium and selenoproteins suggests that inorganic mercury may promote neurodegenerative disorders via disruption of redox regulation. Inorganic mercury may play a role as a co-factor in the development of AD. It may also increase the pathological influence of other metals. Our mechanistic model describes potential causal pathways. As the single most effective public health primary preventive measure, industrial, and medical usage of mercury should be eliminated as soon as possible.

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“…48 Similarly, in a study of 129 Roman Catholic sisters age 75 years and older, no significant adverse effects from amalgam restorations were discovered using eight tests of cognitive function. 49 In a later study, 50 researchers measured Hg levels in multiple brain regions using trace element analysis and performed full neuropathologic examinations to assess the brain tissue status, including the presence/absence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). No significant association of AD with the number, surface area or history of having dental amalgam restorations was found.…”

Section: Neurotoxicitymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Release of Mercury from Amalgam Restorations and Its Health Effects: A Review

Roberts¹,

Charlton

2009

Operative Dentistry

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©Operative Dentistry, 2009, 34-5, 605-614 HW Roberts • DG Charlton SUMMARYAmalgam has successfully been used as a restorative material in dentistry for over a century. It has proven to be a cost-effective, wear-resistant material which, when properly placed, can provide many years of service. However, amalgam's popularity has decreased in recent years due, in part, to patient concerns about its potential for adversely affecting their health. Other reasons for its reduced use include the increased emphasis on more esthetic restorative materials and environmental concerns regarding the amount of mercury discharged into wastewater from dental offices. Controversy persists about amalgam's possible role in causing health problems due to its release of mercury. Although conclusive evidence is lacking that directly correlates amalgam with adverse health effects, clinicians should remain knowledgeable about mercury release from amalgam in order to intelligently address their patients' concerns. This article reviews the latest published scientific literature to provide this information. INTRODUCTIONAmalgam has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years, 1 and its excellent clinical track record is well known. Despite some shortcomings, amalgam has several positive characteristics compared with other restorative materials, including relatively low cost, good wear resistance, low technique sensitivity and high strength.2-3 While amalgam's use has declined in recent years due to an increased emphasis on the use of esthetic restorative materials and concerns about potential environmental hazards related to its mercury (Hg) content, countless amalgam restorations remain in patients' mouths. Because of this fact and the plethora of misinformation about mercury in amal- Clinical RelevanceAmalgam remains an important restorative material in dentistry. Because of continuing controversy concerning the material's safety and environmental friendliness, dentists should remain current in their knowledge of the effect of mercury and its release from amalgam. This will enable dentists to provide accurate, evidence-based information to their patients.

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ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, DENTAL AMALGAM AND MERCURY

Cited by 67 publications

References 40 publications

The three modern faces of mercury.

The three modern faces of mercury.

Does Inorganic Mercury Play a Role in Alzheimer's Disease? A Systematic Review and an Integrated Molecular Mechanism

The Release of Mercury from Amalgam Restorations and Its Health Effects: A Review

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