Author Pratchett Blames His Alzheimer's on Mercury Fillings

Terry Pratchett has reopened the controversy about the safety of mercury-based tooth fillings by blaming them for his Alzheimer's disease.

The author of the Discworld series describes the fillings - which millions of Britons have - as "toxic waste".

"Having something like mercury in your mouth seemed to me to be a really bad idea and I got rid of the stuff," said Pratchett.

Dental amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury, are under renewed scrutiny, although there is no hard evidence to support his beliefs. More than three million were inserted last year in the UK. Sweden last month banned all mercury products, including fillings, and Norway and Denmark have done the same.

Campaigners including Dr Jenny Goodman, a London doctor who practises nutritional and environmental medicine, have linked the fillings to MS, chronic fatigue syndrome and gut problems. But the Department of Health said fillings containing mercury are not harmful, except for the small number of people who are allergic. However, it still recommends pregnant women to avoid having any inserted or removed.

Peter Ward of the British Dental Association said the safety of mercury fillings had been subjected to numerous reviews and none had found evidence that they increase the risk of developing serious illnesses.

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Maybe Peter Ward should read the FDA's admission in the US where they admit mercury fillings have a neurotoxic effect on children and pregnant women.

"Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses," reads a statement that has been added to the agency's Web site. "Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner."

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