New research is underway examining the possible connection between gadolinium retention in the body and the probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The medical community is still split on just admitting that gadolinium retention after an MRI or MRA exists. However, hundreds of thousands of patients become sick after being injected with the dangerous contrasting dye.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a chemical element carrying the atomic number 64 and the atomic symbol Gd. Belonging to a group of elements in the periodic table called Lanthanides, the chemical is a rare earth element. Microwave applications, color TV tubes, synthetic gemstones, compact discs, and computer memory typically use the chemical. Also, the medical community uses this chemical element as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo MRI or MRA scans.
The medical community believes that after they inject the body with this dye, it expels it naturally within a few hours. However, this is not always the case. The chemical agent can also stay in the body for months or years following a single imaging session. Therefore, it causes the body to develop a whole range of debilitating symptoms like brain fog, ligament tightening, balance problems, hair loss, cognitive symptoms and more.
Examining the Gadolinium Retention Alzheimer’s Link
Currently, there is no evidence connecting the two. However, numerous studies have begun further investigating the possibility. Previously, scientists believed gadolinium contrast material could not cross the blood-brain barrier, the semipermeable membrane that selectively filters materials from the bloodstream from entering extracellular fluid in the brain and central nervous system. However, recent studies found that the brain retains traces of gadolinium for years after an MRI. This permeability has researchers asking if gadolinium is responsible for some cases of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers have already discovered that Alzheimer’s disease becomes triggered when a pollutant binds to tau molecules. These are proteins the body uses to stabilize neurons in the central nervous system. However, when researchers introduced a chemical like gadolinium to the body, it could bind to these molecules and cause them to become unstable. More research is needed to support this theory, but if it is true, gadolinium could be even more harmful than previously thought.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium, used in dyes to increase the clarity of MRI and MRA scans, can create chemical element retention in the body, Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. These conditions are accompanied by symptoms that include severe physical pain and cognitive difficulties. Affected patients and their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
For more information, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. We have also over 20 years of experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.