Does Aluminum cause Alzheimer's?
The Jury is Still Out
I don't recommend aluminum cookware due to increasing evidence suggesting a link between aluminum and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and also breast cancer. Data so far is inconclusive but the there is enough evidence to warrant avoiding unnecessary exposure to aluminum, including that found in antiperspirants, pots and pans, foil, sunscreen, cosmetics, antacids and baking powder. It is widely accepted that aluminum is a neurotoxin and could adversely affect the central nervous system.
There are several studies that show an increase in aluminum in the brain tissue of some individuals who had Alzheimer’s. And a study published a few years ago in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, “supports a growing body of research that links human exposure to aluminum with Alzheimer’s disease,” according to the journal. At the same time, organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Society have the position “there is no clear evidence” and “studies have failed to confirm” that aluminum plays a role in the development of the disease.
This quote is from the CDC "Oral exposure to aluminum is usually not harmful. Some studies show that people exposed to high levels of aluminum may develop Alzheimer’s disease, but other studies have not found this to be true. We do not know for certain that aluminum causes Alzheimer’s disease.” That’s enough for me to find alternatives. Aluminum is also suspected of possibly causing cancer, especially breast cancer possibly due to the use of aluminum-containing anti-perspirants used in close proximity to breast tissue. Given that aluminum is a neurotoxin, researchers are also looking at a possible link with other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.
If you want to cook with aluminum (not sure why though) look for cookware that’s been anodized, which is said to block aluminum from leaching into food. Or better yet, just throw your aluminum away and use stainless steel, cast iron and glass instead. Copper looks nice hanging on the wall but it’s only safe to cook with if it’s lined with a food-safe metal like stainless steel or tin. Tin, unlike aluminum, is non-toxic and safe to use for cooking or storing food. In fact, it was used for cookware, cups and cutlery for years until it was kicked to the curb by a lighter and more abundant metal -- aluminum. I have cookware suggestions on this cookware page.