Dear Jacks,
WOW ! I find your post hugely interesting. I guess that I will call Duke University to find out more on this. I especially find this interesting in that many scientists, for years, have given up on the theory of heavy metals contributing to brain plaque (as unfounded and almost mythable). I myself have even dismissed this myself many times, as my family has been cursed with Alzheimer's now for over 50 years. And, each case is different as to smoking, canned goods, car exhaust, and even lived in different parts of the country (if your talking about metals in local water supplies.
I do not have any information on Alzheimer's in my family prior to 1950. Now, I don't know if that is because there were no events or their were and no one lived long enough to exhibit the disease in full cycle. Or, if there were no AD events at all. It's hard to say. However in the early 50's my grandmother had AD and she was never one to have any "canned goods" in the house as they were far too expensive for her budget. This is also at a time when fewer cars were in use and they (my grandmother and grandfather), got around town by trolley. And, of course neither of them smoked. So I have always dismissed the "heavy metals" theory out of hand, (and in the case of my uncle also). Do to the fact that people are now living longer, and 50-100 years ago not too many people got to the age of 65 or 70 or 80, in order to exhibit all the middle to last stage's of Alzheimer's, when the symptoms are so noticeable.
I really appriciate your post. It has given me something new to think about. I am happy that all area's of this disease are being researched for possiabilities. I do hope that a "cure" could be just around the corner. This is a dreadful disease that distroys many many lives, not just the person with the disease. But many times the whole family.
Thanks again,
Giz