Lead Exposure and Failing Brains

Ivanhoe Newswire
Friday, September 15, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A recent study of older adults reveals a connection between high exposure to lead before the 1980s and lower cognitive performance.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore observed a diverse group of 985 adults from the Baltimore area between ages 50 and 70. The study participants were exposed to high levels of lead before the 1980s, a time when it was used in numerous products.

Researchers measured lead levels in the blood, as well as in the tibia (shin bone), because lead tends to build up in bone. The blood levels indicated low lead levels, revealing low current exposure, but the tibia levels were higher, revealing long-term exposure.

Study participants took a series of 20 cognitive tests in seven areas of cognitive function. High tibia lead levels were linked to poorer cognitive performance in all areas. The researchers report the effect of community lead exposure was equivalent to two to six years of aging.

Researchers report, "If lead is associated with lower cognitive performance, this may suggest possible treatment and prevention options for older adults."

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SOURCE: Neurology, 2006;67:1-7