Modifiable chemical risk factors for amyloid-β and Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with numerous risk factors, many of them attributed to exposure to harmful chemical substances at levels higher than recommended. The exposure can happen through sources like food, water and the environment. A significant number of the risk factors are modifiable, that is; their effects can be altered by minor modifications kept under consideration. This article describes four such modifiable risk factors- exposure to metals, high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the plasma, exposure to pesticides and chronic consumption of alcohol. Heavy metals can enter our bodies through various sources like water, food (through the soil), and through sources like cigarette smoke. They can alter normal brain functioning and increase the risk for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. High levels of plasma homocysteine can also be a risk factor, with various proposed potential mechanisms. Pesticide use may have some alarming consequences. The effects of many pesticides on increasing the chances for AD are proven by many studies, which also show that occupational exposure to them is a great risk. Another risk factor discussed is the heavy consumption of alcohol, which plays a role in altering the neurotransmitter release, which may lead to it being a risk factor for AD. The type of alcohol consumed also had varied effects. Some strategies to mitigate the risk of the modifiable risk factors have been discussed.