Underarm Deodorant & Alzheimer's Disease

Deodorants and antiperspirants may contain aluminum.

Aluminum is the source of concern over the relationship of underarm deodorant to Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum is a typical ingredient of deodorants and antiperspirants. There is some speculation that aluminum entering the body due to use of certain types of underarm deodorants may cause Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association suggests that aluminum exposure in normal amounts does not "pose any threat" of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Aluminum

Many brands of underarm antiperspirant and deodorant contain aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium. According to Naturalnews.com, aluminum is easily absorbed into the body, where it can then be absorbed in to the liver, kidneys, brain and bone marrow. According to GlobalHealingCenter.com, aluminum is "associated" with health problems including Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, seizures and kidney problems.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and incurable form of dementia that typically affects people over the age of sixty. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, decline in cognitive functioning, impaired speech and communication skills, behavioral disturbances and, in some cases, hallucinations and delusions. According to the National Institute on Aging, the cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully determined though it likely to be caused by "genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors."

Debate

According to the Alzheimer's Association, exposure to "everyday sources" of aluminum, including underarm deodorants and antiperspirants, is not a confirmed cause of Alzheimer's disease. Research published in 1990 in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology finds no connection between Alzheimer's disease and underarm deodorant/antiperspirant use "regardless of aluminum content." The research does claim that a "higher risk" of Alzheimer's disease is associated with frequent use of antiperspirants that contain aluminum: however, the results of the research are "inconclusive due to methodological problems."

Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant is a product similar to deodorant. Underarm antiperspirants, which frequently contain some form aluminum, prevent the armpits from sweating, whereas deodorants only prevent odor. The armpits are one site of the body where toxins are purged through sweat. Toxins that are prevented from leaving the body through sweat will remain in the body. According to GlobalHealingCenter.com, antiperspirants more often contain aluminum than do deodorants.

Considerations

Aluminum is a common element and it is found in many household products and items, and according to Environment, Health and Safety Online (EHSO) exposure to aluminum is "common and unavoidable." According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the role of aluminum in the development of Alzheimer's disease is "not clearly defined."

References

• National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
• Environment, Health and Safety Online: Alzheimer's and Aluminum
• Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem. "Aluminum as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease." Ferreira PC, et al. 2008
• Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer Myths
• Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. "The association between aluminum-containing products and Alzheimer's disease." Graves AB, et al. 1990