An Increase in DDE Levels can Cause Alzheimer’s, a Study Reveals

The reason for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be attributed to a number of genetic, environmental and lifestyle-based factors.

However, a recent study reveals that the compound DDE, which remains after DDT is broken down, is present in higher levels in those patients with Alzheimer’s compared to those who don’t.

In a press release, Richardson and the team of researchers concluded, “This study demonstrates that there are additional contributors to Alzheimer’s disease that must be examined and that may help identify those at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It is important because when it comes to diagnosing and treating this and other neurodegenerative diseases, the earlier someone is diagnosed, the more options there may be available.”

The study found that 74 out of 86 patients had almost four times more DDE in their blood levels compared to the others.

What this study also reveals is that despite DDT’s worldwide ban in agriculture, 75 to 80 percent of the compound is still found in blood samples collected from people by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The reason for this is because the chemical takes a long time to break down in the environment after all these years.

Unfortunately, if people continue to eat fruits, vegetables and grains that are exported from countries which still use DDT as well as consume fish from contaminated waterways.

So, if one wants to minimize their chances of getting this disease, they will have to be careful in selecting only locally grown foods as well as the seafood they consume.

India remains DDT’s largest producer and its consumer as well.