Biomedical subjects

J F Gentleman

Publications and source records attributed to J F Gentleman.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Concerning the role of aluminum in causing dementia.

Topics outlined in an earlier paper by Eichhorn are expanded, with particular emphasis on the implications of the associations between aluminum (Al) concentrations and various indications of mental impairment. These associations represent the main thrust of the evidence that Al is a contributory cause for some forms of dementia. Of particular interest are the more recently observed associations between Al concentrations in drinking (finished) water and various indications of mental impairment, and the relevance of other water quality variables such as silica, fluoride, and pH. Various unresolved questions are also identified.

Aluminum↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dementia and age at death.

The objective of this paper is to investigate changes in dementia mortality, as recorded on death certificates in Canada. Use is made of data available at Statistics Canada for the period 1990-1991. During this period there have been appreciable changes over time in the ages at death and in the percentage of death certificates that mention dementia. This increase in mortality associated with dementia can be explained, in large part, by an increased tendency for dementia to be listed as an underlying cause of death on the death certificate. Also, the median ages at death of persons in Canada for the period 1990-1991, for whom dementia is recorded as the underlying cause of death, are similar to or greater than the ages at death reported for all other causes of death but excluding dementia. Because those who have dementia are living longer, there is an increase in the number of people with dementia (prevalence of dementia); this has important implications concerning public policy on health and aging. We discuss the significance of these changes with respect to the future prevalence of dementia.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Risk factors, causality, and policy initiatives: the case of aluminum and mental impairment.

The question addressed is when can the evidence concerning a health issue be regarded as adequate to implement policy initiatives. The approach is illustrated by comparing evidence about the effects of cigarette smoking with evidence for the aluminum (Al) hypothesis (that Al contributes to mental impairment and especially to Alzheimer's Disease). The criteria for evaluating the evidence are based on the consistency and strength of the association between a putative risk factor and the relevant outcome variable, the likelihood that the relative risk represents a causal relationship, whether possible mechanisms are available, the number of persons affected, and the costs of modifying the risk factor.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Smoking and its effect on mortality of the elderly.

The effects of smoking on the mortality experience of elderly populations are considered by comparing the mortality rates for elderly smokers, ex-smokers and nonsmokers. This question arose since a recent study, using similar data, suggested that there was no health benefit for elderly cigarette smokers who discontinue cigarette smoking. Although ultimately in the latter part of the life-span, the benefit which might be gained by giving up smoking would not increase life-span significantly, the present study shows that for all of the older age groups investigated, a lower mortality from all causes of death is observed for nonsmokers and ex-smokers compared with elderly smokers. Consequently, even though no direct evidence is available, from this or other studies, as to whether it is desirable for elderly smokers to discontinue smoking, because of the general consistency of the data for the younger and older age groups, it seems probable that giving up smoking represents a health benefit for most older smokers.

Adult↗