A NEW study in mice suggests that long-term exposure to the electromagnetic waves associated with mobile phones may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at University of South Florida showed that exposing elderly mice with Alzheimer’s symptoms to electromagnetic waves generated by mobile phones removed amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
In younger mice with the disease, exposure to the waves prevented amyloid from building up.
Cognitive tests revealed both sets of mice performed to the same level as normal animals.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:
“Although the researchers hope their findings will translate to people, much more research is needed to find out if there could be any beneficial effects of long-term exposure to electromagnetism, and to guarantee its safety.
“We don’t recommend spending 24 hours a day on a mobile phone – we don’t know the long-term effects.
“With no current effective treatments for Alzheimer’s, we need to investigate every possible avenue of research, yet we are constantly hamstrung by a lack of funds.
“If we are to head off the forecasted doubling of dementia in the UK in the next generation, we need to invest in research now to deliver us the answers.”
The Alzheimer’s Research Trust provides free information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Tel, 01223 843899 or visit
