Mercury determination in nursing home patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Trace-element neurotoxicity contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be an important etiologic factor for this disorder. This clinical study was conducted to determine the urine concentrations of mercury (Hg) from patients with AD disorders. Within the confines of a nursing home, all subjects were exposed to the same environment and a diet that excluded seafood. The results of this study do not indicate that subjects with AD have a greater body burden of Hg, according to urinary excretion. This can be further evidence that Hg from amalgam restorations or diet is not related to etiology and pathogenesis of AD.