A new study published in Neurology suggests a link between cadmium exposure and memory problems, particularly in white people. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal found in polluted air, cigarette smoke, and food, was found to have a higher impact on cognitive ability in white participants in the study. The research involved over 2,000 people, with white individuals showing a doubled risk of cognitive impairment when exposed to higher concentrations of cadmium in their urine compared to those with lower concentrations. However, no such association was found for Black participants, suggesting a racial discrepancy in the impact of cadmium on cognitive function.
Cadmium, a known carcinogen, can contribute to the development of dementia and is released into the environment through industrial and agricultural activities. Its effects on the brain and central nervous system include disrupting calcium levels in the brain, activating pathways associated with inflammation and neural cell death. The study authors noted that the racial difference in the odds of cognitive decline may be explained by variations in tobacco use, as white participants had higher levels of exposure to cadmium due to smoking compared to their Black counterparts. Cadmium is highly toxic, even in small amounts, and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier to accumulate in the brain over a person’s lifetime.
Experts not involved in the study, such as Dr. David Merrill, a board certified geriatric psychiatrist, and Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian nutritionist, highlighted the insidious nature of cadmium and its potential long-term effects on cognitive function. Merrill pointed out that cadmium’s properties can lead to oxidative stress, interference with metabolic pathways, neuronal damage, and cell death, ultimately resulting in reduced neurogenesis. Richter emphasized that cadmium primarily enters the food supply through soil and can be more prevalent in industrialized regions with heavy mining, smelting, or agricultural practices using cadmium-containing fertilizers. Factors such as socioeconomic status and smoking rates can also contribute to higher cadmium exposure in specific communities.
While the study suggests a potential association between cadmium exposure and cognitive decline, more research is needed to establish a direct causal link between cadmium and dementia rates in specific populations. The study authors called for larger sample sizes, longer duration of research, and repeatedly measured cadmium exposure to better understand the impact of cadmium on different racial groups. Merrill and Richter both agreed that additional data is required to establish a clearer connection between cadmium exposure and dementia rates in communities with higher levels of cadmium exposure, such as those near industrial areas or with higher smoking rates. Further research is necessary to determine the extent of cadmium’s effects on cognitive function and develop strategies to mitigate its impact on public health.
