Studies have already revealed how essential water is to human health -- it helps with digestion, keeps the skin healthy and removes toxins from the body. However, a recent study uncovered another benefit of drinking water: A high concentration of silica in drinking water seemed to protect against Alzheimer's disease.

The findings stemmed from an offshoot of an osteoporosis study -- Epidemiology of Osteoporosis Study (EPIDOS) -- that included some 7,600 women older than 75 from five French cities whose mental acuity was measured at the start of the study.

The Silica-Alzheimer's Link

The participants' intake of water, tap versus mineral, was determined through a questionnaire. (Data on levels of silica, calcium and aluminum were derived from local water companies and companies that distributed mineral water.)

During the first phase of the study, researchers found women who had normal or higher mental function at the start had a higher daily intake of silica. This link remained significant, statistically, even after taking age, location, income, education level and history of stroke into account.

The second phase, which followed up with women from a particular city seven years later, revealed women who developed Alzheimer's were almost three times more likely to have a significantly reduced daily intake of silica than those who didn't have it.

Thus, a low silica concentration was associated with low cognitive performance.

In light of these findings, researchers believe silica to be a natural antidote to aluminum, which has been previously linked to the formation of plaque in the brain. Therefore, it was concluded that silica in drinking water may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's in elderly women; however, the potential effect of this chemical needs to be confirmed in further investigations.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition April 2005;81(4):897-902

Reuters April 11, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

As the population continues to age, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase some 70 percent, as the greatest known risk factor of Alzheimer's is age. About 4.5 million people are affected today, and it is estimated that this number will increase to 7.7 million by 2030. The known benefits of silica consumption have, until now, been mostly confined to its effects on your skin, hair, nails and bones. Please be sure to realize, however, the results of this study do not suggest that silica has some sort of special "anti-Alzheimer's" effect. The presence of silica does not seem to do anything more than simply reduce your absorption of aluminum if they are both present in something you ingest. It's also important to know that aluminum may not be the only element to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Thus far, there is no such thing as a magic pill for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Instead, the key to preventing it hinges on how you live your life. Consider these guidelines that will protect your body (and reduce your risk) from the ravages of Alzheimer's: Try out the Total Health Program, paying special attention to avoiding sugar. Eat plenty of high-quality fish oil. Reduce your intake of most fish and remove mercury from your body. Decrease aluminum exposure, most commonly found in tap water and antiperspirants, and possibly aluminum cookware. Exercise. Eat plenty of vegetables high in folate. Avoid flu vaccinations. Eat wild, organic blueberries or try Wild Blueberry IQ to help guard against Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. Eat a nutritious diet based on your body's unique nutritional type. Keep your mind active. Since worry accelerates your risk of Alzheimer's, learn an effective energy psychology tool like the Emotional Freedom Technique to help decrease it in your life. Related Articles: Curry Ingredient Helps Treat Alzheimer's Your Brain Makes Insulin and it Might Cause Alzheimer's How to Easily and Inexpensively Blow Away Alzheimer's Disease