ABSTRACT
In the late 1970s, a growing number of reports—particularly from Finland, Sweden, and Denmark—indicated that workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents were at risk of developing polyneuropathy. Scientists have proposed several conceptual models for aging and dementia: genetic, abnormal protein generation, abnormal blood flow, changes in the biochemical properties of neurotransmittors in the brain, infectious agents, toxic agents, and other theories abound. Certain families have a very high rate of longevity with little mental deterioration, whereas in others the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is disproportionately high. “Bad circulation” and “hardening of arteries” have been popular explanations of why mental capacity declines with age. Spontaneous or environmentally induced biochemical disturbances in neural transmission have been thought to be very plausible causative factors in senile dementia. Excessive consumption of chick pea or vetch and related species is associated with a nonprogressive, irreversible neurological disease called lathyrism.
