Thursday July 17, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study suggests that exposure to certain petroleum based solvents and fuels can drastically boost the risk of Alzheimer's disease - a disease that affects an estimated 5 million Americans.

The study shows that certain petroleum-based solvents and fuels including mineral turpentine, diesel fuel, fuel oil and kerosene were correlated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and mixed-type dementia. 

Specifically, those who were exposed to these petroleum based solvents and fuels were 550% more likely than others to develop Alzheimer's disease and dementia even after adjustment for age, gender, and education.

The study concludes "Occupational exposure to mineral turpentine and heavy fuels may be a risk factor for AD (Alzheimer's disease) and MD (Mixed type dementia)."

In the study, 156 patients were followed up at the Memory Diagnostic Center of Bertinot Juel Hospital (France). These patients were selected based on occupation(s), "a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥10 at the first visit, a neuropsychological evaluation performed and a diagnosis established in our Memory Diagnostic Center."

Comment:  Doctors say there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. But there are many things people can do to reduce the risk of developing the disease.  To reduce the risk, one should avoid intake of saturated and trans fat, increase intake of vegetables, legumes, fruit and while grains, take vitamin B12 to avoid b12 deficiency, take only multivitamins without iron and copper, avoid aluminum and increase physical exercise.  Dietary supplements turmeric and curcumin may also help.

The herbs that may be used or have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), and Guggulu.  (David Liu, PHD)

Reference: Helou R, Jaecker P.  Occupational exposure to mineral turpentine and heavy fuels: a possible risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2014 Jun 5;4(2):160-71.