Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 3 million senior citizens in America. Although it does not appear to run in my family, I am always saddened when I see someones grandmother or grandfather with Alzheimer’s. Early symptoms of the disease include confusion, loss of short-term memory, problems with attention and spatial orientation, changes in personality, language difficulties and unexplained mood swings. But these same exact symptoms have also been attributed to mycotoxicosis, or mold poisoning.
While most people may still think of mold as a common cause for sneezing, sore throats, and coughing, more recent mold research has shown a definitive link between some types of toxic mold and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Short term memory loss, lack of concentration, inability to maintain focus or complete simple tasks are found in many people suffering from mycotoxicosis.
At the present time, an autopsy is the only test that can confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. It’s very possible that some people diagnosed with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may actually just have a mold problem.
It’s also possible that mold may even be a contributing factor in causing Alzheimer’s, or mold may at least exacerbate the symptoms. But much more research is needed on this subject. In any event, it’s best that people with Alzheimer’s disease live in a mold-free environment so that the effects of toxic mold do not complicate their symptoms.
It’s important to investigate cases of Alzheimer’s for mold because while Alzheimer’s disease is not curable, mold is removable. This reason alone makes it worth the effort to check out the home and living conditions of people with these symptoms. Sometimes cognitive disorders caused by mold can be alleviated if the mold is removed.