
In a world increasingly powered by digital devices, we rarely stop to consider the toll their invisible radiation might take on our health. But a groundbreaking new study is raising alarms about the potential link between electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and Alzheimer’s disease, not just for the elderly, but for younger generations as well. Could the very technologies we rely on every day be contributing to the rise of this devastating condition? Read on to discover the shocking connections and what you can do to protect yourself and your family from hidden dangers in the air.
Key Takeaways
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EMFs and Alzheimer’s Connection: EMFs from common digital devices (cellphones, Wi-Fi, 5G) may accelerate brain degeneration, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s by causing excessive calcium buildup in brain cells.
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Dangerous Effects on the Brain: Studies in rats exposed to EMFs have shown rapid neurodegeneration, with significant brain cell death and Alzheimer’s-like changes seen in as little as a few months.
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Rising Concerns in Humans: Growing evidence suggests that EMF exposure could be contributing to an earlier onset of Alzheimer’s, with studies showing higher disease incidence near mobile phone base stations and with prolonged occupational EMF exposure.
From Your Wi-Fi to 5G: Is Digital Radiation Triggering Memory Loss?
Electromagnetic fields have long been linked to bothersome neurological problems. But a disturbing new report warns that exposure to cell phones, Wi-Fi, and other forms of radiation goes much, much deeper.
The jaw-dropping analysis suggests that digital exposure can cause Alzheimer’s disease, not only in seniors, but in young people too. Here’s what you need to know to protect you and your family.
For over a decade, Professor Martin Pall at Washington State University has been studying pulsed electronically generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
These are released by smartphones, mobile phone base stations, smart meters, digital power supplies and inverters, radar, and modulating pulsation from 2G to 3G to 4G and now to 5G, increasing in intensity at every greater level.
Prof. Pall summarized everything he’s learned over that time in a review published in the journal Current Alzheimer Research in March. And he believes that the health problems caused by EMFs revolve around their influence on a single essential mineral.
EMFs Rapidly Increase Cellular Calcium
The calcium hypothesis of dementia argues that the root cause of Alzheimer’s is an excess of calcium within brain cells. This excess leads to many negative consequences for neurons, including breakdown of cellular communication, the buildup of tau protein tangles, and promotion of cell death.
In addition, researchers now believe that two specific changes to cellular calcium directly sow the seeds of Alzheimer’s within the brain. The first is an increase in amyloid precursor protein BACE1, and the growth of amyloid beta brain plaques that can choke the life out of brain cells. The second is that excess amyloid drives an overabundance of calcium to create a never-ending vicious circle of harm to the brain.
How does this damage from EMFs happen?
The strong electric and magnetic forces produced by EMFs impact body cells mainly through activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) - the route by which calcium enters cells.
This activation produces rapid increases in intracellular calcium. VGCC activation by EMFs has been demonstrated in animals with alarming consequences.
Fast and Massive Neurodegeneration
In one study, young rats were exposed to very low intensity 3G cell tower radiation for two hours a day for four weeks; a level that's considered safe for humans. This produced rapid and massive neurodegeneration – one-third of brain cells died. When a VGCC blocker drug was administered, eleven harmful brain changes and four behavioral changes diminished dramatically.
In another experiment, two-month-old rats were exposed to a series of EMF pulses over a single day. Eighteen months later, when equivalent to humans aged 42, Alzheimer 's-specific increases in both amyloid precursor protein, amyloid beta, and oxidative stress were seen in the hippocampus, a key memory and learning area of the brain. Alzheimer's-like changes in learning and behavior were also seen in the rodents.
A similar experiment was conducted where exposure was daily over eight months, when the rats were like 21-year-old humans. This also resulted in the same biochemical and behavioral changes.
Prof. Pall writes: "…we are getting universal very, very, very early onset AD in rats with no apparent genetic predisposition, simply from EMF exposure."
But are these striking animal experiments relevant to humans?
Human Evidence is Mounting
At this time, nothing definitive can be said; however, growing human evidence suggests we should be very concerned. Low intensity EMFs are shown to produce changes in the electrical activity of the brain, as shown by EEG.
Genetic and pharmacological studies reveal a link between increased VGCC activity and the rise in the number of people with Alzheimer's disease.
In addition, three reviews show that people living within 300 to 400 meters of mobile phone base stations develop widespread neurological conditions. Eleven population studies show a higher incidence of Alzheimer's with higher EMF exposures. Occupational exposures also demonstrate negative effects. These are cumulative, becoming progressively more severe with increasing length of exposure.
The Ultimate Memory Loss Disaster
Although it can take 25 years of brain degeneration before symptoms develop, many of the population studies report increases in the incidence of Alzheimer's in much shorter times, suggesting that EMF exposures may lower the latency period considerably, possibly down to just five years. This increase in exposure could explain why Alzheimer’s is diagnosed more frequently at younger ages.
"This means," Prof. Pall writes, "it is possible that exposures we already have, 5G and possibly also 4G and smart meters, may have already caused the ultimate disaster..."
He is calling for studies conducted by independent scientists to be carried out without delay.
These should include:
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Brain scans and brain marker surveys to reveal abnormalities in young people who show signs of digital dementia.
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EMF exposure assessments on people diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.
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Examination of people exposed for more than a year to small cell antennas. These are placed on streetlights, poles, and buildings to transmit data to and from wireless devices.
My Takeaway
While I agree that these suggested areas of additional research are important, I wouldn’t wait for the results. I would encourage you to take steps to protect yourself and your family from EMFs today.
The easiest way is to turn off your cellphones and WiFi when not in use. There are also several EMF protection products available online, from boxes and bags that can store your phones and routers to EMF-impenetrable fabrics to drape around areas where most of your digital devices are concentrated.
Some natural health doctors also believe that homeopathic remedies, certain nutritional supplements, and certain plants (and their extracts) can help the body combat EMFs. While the results are almost always anecdotal, they’re worth exploring if you believe your cognitive function or overall health has been or could be negatively affected by EMF exposure.
Summary
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs), emitted by smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and 5G technology, have long been linked to neurological problems. New research suggests that these fields may play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease by triggering excessive calcium in brain cells, leading to neuronal damage and the buildup of harmful plaques. Studies in animals have shown alarming signs of rapid neurodegeneration following EMF exposure, and increasing evidence in humans points to a potential rise in Alzheimer’s diagnoses at younger ages. While definitive human studies are still needed, the evidence is mounting, urging us to take proactive measures to protect our brains from these invisible risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are electromagnetic fields (EMFs)?
EMFs are invisible fields of energy created by electronic devices, including smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and cell towers. These fields can interact with biological tissues and may impact health.
How do EMFs cause Alzheimer’s disease?
EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels in brain cells, leading to an excess of calcium that triggers cellular damage, amyloid plaque formation, and eventually, the neurodegenerative changes seen in Alzheimer’s.
Can EMF exposure really cause Alzheimer’s at a young age?
While more research is needed, studies have shown that EMF exposure may accelerate the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis in both younger and older populations.
How can I reduce my exposure to EMFs?
To protect yourself and your family, you can turn off cell phones and Wi-Fi when not in use, use EMF-blocking products, and limit your time near sources of EMF radiation.
Are there any natural ways to counteract the effects of EMF exposure?
Some people turn to natural health remedies like nutritional supplements, homeopathic treatments, and specific plants or extracts to help mitigate EMF-related health concerns, although results are largely anecdotal.
- Pall, M. L. (2022). Low intensity electromagnetic fields act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation to cause very early onset Alzheimer’s disease: 18 distinct types of evidence. Current Alzheimer Research, 18(5), 456-474
- Pall, M. L. (2022). Low intensity electromagnetic fields act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation to cause very early onset Alzheimer’s disease: 18 distinct types of evidence. Current Alzheimer Research, 19(2), 119-132.