More than 20 years ago, scientists reported a link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, a condition that causes senility. Now, most serious scientists do not consider aluminum a factor, but a report in the journal, Science, suggests that another mineral, zinc, may be associated with that disease.

Scientists have known for years that an abnormal protein called beta amyloid accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Previously, scientists thought that it takes years for beta amyloid to form, but Dr. Rudolph Tanzi of the Massachusetts General Hospital was able to form beta amyloid a couple of minutes after adding high doses of zinc to brain tissue. Brain tissue normally contains very small amounts of zinc.

You certainly should not try to avoid foods that are rich sources of zinc, such as meat, liver, eggs, and seafood. Lack of zinc can cause loss of taste and smell, decreased ability to fight infections and loss of memory. However, it may be prudent to avoid zinc pills. In 1991, a study from the University of Melbourne in Australia was discontinued after only two days because giving zinc supplements to subjects with Alzheimer's disease caused a rapid deterioration of their mental abilities. In 1980, another study showed that taking large doses of zinc lower blood levels of the good HDL cholesterol that prevents heart attacks.

Many people believe that zinc lozenges or sprays prevent colds or reduce their symptoms, but they have not been shown to be effective.  See my report Zinc Neither Prevents Nor Treats Colds .  Even if the association with Alzheimer's is questionable, I think it is enough reason to avoid taking zinc for colds.