New Delhi. The effect of increasing pollution is no longer limited to the lungs or heart only, but it is directly affecting the brain function. A recent study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has revealed that heavy metals entering the body through air, water and food may be linked to memory loss and increased risk of neurological diseases.

How are heavy metals reaching the body?

According to researchers, many heavy metals including lithium, aluminium, cobalt are entering the body through polluted environment, contaminated water sources and food chain. These elements accumulate in the body for a long time and affect the brain cells (neurons), affecting the ability to think and remember.

Study conducted on age group above 60 years

Scientists from the Biophysics Department of AIIMS conducted this study in collaboration with physicians from various departments. In this, the health parameters of 65 participants above 60 years of age and normal people were compared.
The investigation found that people who had memory problems had higher than normal levels of several metals in their blood.

These metals were found in blood

Elements found in excess during the study included:

Lithium

aluminum

vanadium

manganese

cobalt

nickel

zinc

silver

Scientists say that under normal circumstances the brain regulates the levels of these elements, but excessive or prolonged exposure can upset the balance, which can be linked to cognitive decline.

Pollution, agriculture and groundwater also responsible

Research has counted industrialization, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and sewage pollution as the main reasons.
In many areas, increasing amounts of metals and chemical elements have been recorded in groundwater, which is reaching fruits, vegetables and grains through irrigation. In this way these elements are entering the body through both food and air.

Preparation for further research on a larger scale

According to the research team, a large-scale study on this topic is now proposed, which will include hospitals in other cities and larger populations, so that the relationship between pollution and neurological health can be understood more clearly.