Relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and magnetic field exposure to be studied

Participants to the international workshop hosted by BfS in Munich

At an international workshop in Munich from 12 to 14 December 2017, scientists from several countries discussed possible relationships between low-frequency magnetic fields and neurodegenerative diseases. Participants included physicians, biologists, epidemiologists, physicists and electrical engineers. The event was hosted by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, BfS) as part of the research programme "Radiation protection and grid expansion", which was launched in July 2017.

The research programme aims to investigate whether exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields such as those in the immediate vicinity of high-voltage power lines increases the risk of Alzheimer's or Amyotrophic Late Sclerosis (ALS). Although epidemiological studies provide weak evidence that such a relationship may exist, there is no established biological mechanism for both diseases that could explain a possible influence of low-frequency magnetic fields. The research programme is intended to provide further clarification.

Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Both Alzheimer's disease and ALS occur more frequently with age. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of senile dementia and causes great suffering of those affected and their families, as well as high health care costs worldwide. ALS is a very rare disease and usually has a very unfavourable prognosis, i.e. life expectancy after diagnosis is usually in the range of a few years. A well-known exception is the physicist Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with the disease at a young age and is now 75 years old.

However, since the findings in both cases are contradictory, further research is to be carried out in this field. The results of the workshop will be evaluated at BfS and will be factored in in the further planning of the thematic area.