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Mold And Alzheimer's Disease
by Iris Brooks As both a victim of mold and mycotoxin poisoning and an advocate for public awareness, I talk to people every day who suffer from this horrible disease, mycotoxicosis (mold poisoning) and/or systemic aspergillosis. Through my own personal experience, talking to other victims and much research I am very familiar with the wide array of symptoms. I've been fortunate to meet with some of those in public health agencies. Many people have asked me if mold can cause or perhaps contribute to the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. It is certainly a question I feel people need to think about and consider. I personally feel there is a very strong possibility that many may wrongly be attributing a mold victim's memory losses and mental diminishment to be a sign of the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. I'd like to share some of the reasons why I feel this way. And let me state clearly, I've seen much of this firsthand in someone dear to me who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, with no doubt they also had a massive exposure to mycotoxins. Many of the health effects of toxic mold or mycotoxins are very similar to those of Alzheimer's. Short term memory loss, lack of concentration, inability to maintain focus or complete even simple tasks are found in many who suffer from mycotoxicosis. Other symptoms are losing all problem solving skills and sense of reasoning or logic. Some examples of other things that happen and can vary from one person and situation to the next are: If interrupted when in a conversation we often lose our entire train of thought and totally forget what we were even talking about. We may find ourselves driving around in a town we've lived in for years and eventually realize we have no idea where we are or what we're doing there. Our driving skills may be as good as ever, but we are basically lost. It becomes a struggle to spell or even remember simple words we've known since we were a child. We may leave the stove on or the tub may overflow because we forgot we left the water running. We forget our own phone number or home address. No longer can we balance a checkbook as we always have or keep up with paying our bills on time. We become easily confused and stressed when required to fill out papers or forms. We forget what day of the week it is. We run into a friend we've known a long time and can't even recall their name. Most known victims of mold illness have a name for what this does to our mental capacity: It's called brain fog. Our "brain fog" comes and goes. Many may not even realize mold or the deadly byproducts produced in their home or workplace are causing this mental confusion and that it can often lead to other adverse health issues. They may feel better when leaving the toxic environment. They think clearer. Upon returning to the sick building the brain fog returns. If indeed we've been poisoned by mold, our brain becomes highly sensitized to the very molds and mycotoxins that made us sick to begin with. Even though we may move into a clean and mold free environment once we're systemically sick our body will react to even small amounts of molds and chemicals we are exposed to in everyday living. So many public buildings have serious water damage and mold issues. Many molds and mycotoxins act as a stealth poison meaning they can't be seen with the naked eye. Yet if one's body is now sensitized to these agents even a small re-exposure can trigger an immediate or sometimes delayed response. The "brain fog" and sense of confusion comes back. Mycotoxins often destroy the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves. There is often near cellular death and our cells can't regenerate. Mold poisoning also creates fibrinous exudates and inflammation in our tissues and organs. From what I've researched on Alzheimer's Disease the characteristics are very similar. The organization of nerve cells in the brain are very fragile and become disrupted by the slow spread of these entangled fibers. As the brain cells malfunction they begin to waste away and can no longer communicate with each other, they atrophy. It's as if we can no longer process new memories or recall old ones. Brain fog? Loss of short term memory and ability to think clearly or with any logic? Are they one in the same? Many medical researchers as well as mold victims believe environmental toxins can trigger this debilitating condition. I certainly feel mycotoxins produced by mold and indoor air contamination may play a part in Alzheimer's. Whether it is the cause I'm certainly not qualified to answer that question. I do know many of the symptoms are exactly the same. Can toxic mold contribute to Alzheimer's? I know firsthand what mycotoxicosis has done not only in our own lives, but in hundreds we've talked to across the nation; thus I most definitely feel mold can add to the symptoms of Alzheimer's. A safe and mold free environment is the first step to hope for a better and healthier tomorrow. It is vital! No matter what medical name we give this or these horrible attacks on one's life, we must do all we can to stop the suffering. The walls between us can sometimes hide the reality of chains that hold us captive to the hope that can set us free. Christian author, poet, musician and songwriter, I co-wrote for 16 years with my now late husband. We became advocates in regards to educating the public on environmental illnesses after both being diagnosed with toxic mold poisoning in late 2005. www.survivingyellowrain.blogspot.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |