Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 5:12:33 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Lead Exposure May Speed Mental Decline

Posted Jan 28, 08 1:15 PM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Mental decline is widely considered an unavoidable aspect of aging, but a slew of recent studies link reduced functioning in the elderly to past lead exposure, the AP reports. Common pollutants aren't singlehandedly responsible for memory loss or tremors. But breathing or ingesting lead, pesticides, or mercury early in life can trigger these symptoms of old age prematurely.

Lead is the easiest substance to track because levels of exposure over time can be measured in permanent deposits in the shinbone. One study found that patients with high lead levels mentally decline 2 to 6 years faster than those with less exposure. But with lead restrictions now firmly in place, "Kids who grew up in the 21st century have a lot less to worry about," said one scientist.

Source Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Andrew Todd, PhD, who works in the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, uses a clear acrylic leg filled with real human bone to calibrate the bone...   (Associated Press)
Andrew Todd, PhD, who works in the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, examines results from the bone lead measurement system on Tuesday, Nov. 13,...   (Associated Press)
Some researchers believe that what is thought of as normal dementia accompanying aging, may in fact be long-term results from early lead exposure.   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
CEH Center's Dr. Landrigan on Lead in Toys: 1 of 2   (CEHCenter (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

elderly • mental health • poison • memory • lead • lead paint


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »