Exposure to electromagnetic fields, in particular via smartphones, causes an increase in intracellular calcium, one of the factors in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Around one million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease in France.
- It is rare in people under the age of 65.
- For 20 years, the age of onset of the disease has been falling. Some cases are detected between the ages of 30 and 40.
Although Alzheimer’s disease was identified at the beginning of the 20th century, its exact causes remain difficult to identify. Only 1.2 to 2% of cases are hereditary according to Inserm. Recently, an American researcher became interested in potentially environmental causes. In works published in Current Alzheimer Research, Martin L. Pall, professor emeritus of biochemistry and medicine at the University of Washington, develops the theory of a link between electromagnetic fields and the early onset of disease. However, they are increasingly present in our daily lives, via the electronic devices we use.
Effects on intracellular calcium levels
The link between these electromagnetic fields and Alzheimer’s disease comes from calcium: for nearly 25 years, scientists have been interested in the effects of this chemical element on pathology. Studies have shown that an excess of calcium in the cells could be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of calcium in the cells leads to various changes in the brain, two of which are conducive to the development of the disease. First, it generates an increase in amyloid precursor protein aggregates, which then form amyloid plaques in the brain. It can also lead to different less specific neurodegenerative changes, such as those on tau protein, oxidative stress and inflammation. Gold, electromagnetic fields act on our cells by activating voltage-dependent calcium channels (VGCC). Their activation causes a rapid rise in intracellular calcium levels. “Therefore, EMF exposures produce changes leading to excess intracellular calcium, develops the author of the study. This accumulation explains the effects on the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.“
Increased exposure to electromagnetic fields
However, electronically generated pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used for wireless communication and produce strong electric and magnetic waves. Previous studies, carried out on animal models, have demonstrated their effects on intracellular calcium levels and on the brain. “Electromagnetic fields act via electrical spikes and time-varying magnetic forcess, says Professor Pall. These peaks have increased significantly, with each increase in the pulse modulation produced by smarter cell phones, smart meters, smart cities and radars in autonomous vehicles.” In his latest study, he brings together evidence, drawn from the scientific literature, which demonstrates the links between these EMFs and the early onset of the disease. Among them, 12 recent assessments of occupational exposure to EMFs revealed that there is a higher incidence of disease in people occupationally exposed to these fields. Other research on rats showed that exposure to electromagnetic pulses generated neurodegeneration.
The need for further research
“Very young people exposed to radiation from cellphones or Wi-Fi for several hours a day can develop digital dementia.”, says Martin L. Pall. According to him, it is urgent to continue research on this topic.“The results of each of these studies should be shared with the general public.believes Martin L. Pall, so that everyone can take the necessary steps to reduce the incidence of early forms of Alzheimer’s disease“.