Aluminum, fluoride and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

The evidence regarding the link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease is summarized. This evidence suggests strongly that aluminum is one of the etiologic or contributing factors in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. One reported study suggests that relatively high fluoride in drinking water plays a preventive role in Alzheimer's disease. The rationale for this is the evidence that aluminum and fluoride compete for absorption in the gut. However, this study had methodologic limitations, and no firm conclusion can be drawn. Further investigation of relatively high fluoride in drinking water as a preventive measure for Alzheimer's disease should receive high priority.