Ask Dr. Gourmet

Does aluminum cause Alzheimer's?

I have to ask if you think it is wise to propose using aluminum foil in your Halibut in Foil with White Beans and Olives recipe, given the possibility of it perhaps, after long usage, contributing to Alzheimer's? Apparently there is some concern about pots made from aluminum.

Dr. Gourmet Says....

There does not appear to be a link between use of aluminum foil or aluminum pots and pans with Alzheimer's Disease. In the late 1980's there was some question of this because the lesions found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients contained high levels of aluminum.

Since then, multiple studies, including some very good epidemiologic work, have not shown a link between the use of aluminum products in our environment and Alzheimer's.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet