Do Antiperspirants Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

Q. When people ask about excessive perspiration you frequently recommend aluminum-containing antiperspirants. Aren’t you concerned that aluminum may cause Alzheimer’s disease? I have read that antiperspirants are dangerous because the aluminum they contain can be absorbed into the body.
A. The data on aluminum is confusing and controversial. It is almost impossible to find an antiperspirant that does not contain aluminum. But there is no good evidence to indicate that enough is absorbed to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists have not been able to rule out a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s. A study last year showed higher rates of this disease in areas of Italy with high levels of aluminum in the water. No one knows whether other sources of aluminum are linked to dementia.
Q. Is coughing at night a side effect of any of the ACE inhibitors? I take Zestril, and I am having a terrible time with this cough. Even cough medicine with dextromethorphan doesn’t quell it.
A. As you have guessed, a persistent cough that does not respond to cough suppressants like dextromethorphan is a possible reaction to blood pressure medicines like Zestril. Ask your doctor about an iron supplement (ferrous sulfate). One study found that most patients taking such a supplement had a dramatic improvement in ACE-inhibitor cough (Hypertension, Aug. 2001).
If that doesn’t work, ask your doctor whether another medication, such as an angiotensin-2 blocker (such as Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan), might control your blood pressure without causing a cough.
Q. I read a letter from a lady having trouble with orgasms. I had the same problem. Instead of oral testosterone my doctor prescribed a testosterone ointment.
A compounding pharmacist fills the prescription and I apply it to the clitoris before bedtime. It works beautifully with no side effects.
A. Although topical testosterone may seem safer than oral or injectable forms, some of the hormone may still be absorbed into the body. Have your doctor monitor your hormone levels.
Q. My wife takes a number of prescription drugs for her health problems, and I am concerned that one or more may be making her depressed.
She is on Corgard and Dyazide for her heart, Pravachol for high cholesterol, Premarin for hot flashes and Prilosec for stomach problems.
A. Depression can be brought on by many things, including medications. Beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Toprol) and nadolol (Corgard) have been associated with psychological side effects. Depression has also been linked to drugs like estrogen (Premarin), progestin (Provera), cholesterol-lowering medicines like Pravachol and even occasionally to Prilosec.
Since your wife is taking several medications that might affect her frame of mind, she should certainly discuss this with her doctor. To assist her, we are sending you our Guide to Psychological Side Effects with more information on drug-induced depression and other unexpected emotional reactions. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. M-21, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.