Metal in chocolate may be fueling wave of dementia

Researchers from Columbia University and the American Academy of Neurology conducted a study over ten years involving 2,172 participants, primarily white and black individuals around 64 years old, to investigate the effects of cadmium exposure on cognitive decline. While the overall study found no direct link between cadmium levels and cognitive impairment, a significant correlation emerged when analyzing the data by race. White participants with high cadmium exposure were found to be twice as likely to experience cognitive decline compared to those with lower exposure levels. The study revealed that nearly 10% of white individuals with elevated cadmium levels developed cognitive issues, with smoking habits contributing to their exposure. The white participants had a longer history of smoking compared to their black counterparts, which may have influenced the results. Cadmium, a heavy metal found in various food products, including chocolate, is known to have detrimental health effects, including flu-like symptoms and long-term risks such as kidney disease and lung cancer. Despite the lack of clarity on how cadmium affects brain function, the findings raise concerns about the potential link between heavy metal exposure and dementia, especially as the prevalence of dementia is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying risk factors for cognitive decline and suggests that reducing cadmium exposure could be beneficial for public health. Dr. Liping Lu, a co-author of the study, advocates for policies aimed at reducing cadmium exposure through air pollution regulations and encouraging individuals to quit smoking. As smoking rates decline, researchers are increasingly focusing on food sources of cadmium, highlighting the need for further investigation into the health implications of heavy metal contamination in food products.