WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Lou Gehrig's Disease Linked to Algae?
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Enfield, New Hampshire - June 9, 2009
Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center have been looking into Lou Gehrig's disease and a potential link to the illness nearby. Nine people living near Mascoma Lake in Enfield, N.H., have been diagnosed with the illness in the past 20 years. But more research is needed to know whether a disease cluster really exists.
Roger Barnes grew up in Enfield spending his summers on Mascoma Lake. For two decades it's been a special place for him.
"You know it's got the mountains, Shaker Mountain on the western side, plenty of places to hike. Especially with the lake there is plenty of fishing," Barnes said.
But what else may be in the water besides fish has caught the attention of researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center who are mapping out clusters of ALS-- or Lou Gehrig's disease-- a disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
"In mapping out the patients we noticed that there appeared to be a fairly high density of ALS patients around water bodies," explained Dr. Elijah Stommel, a neurologist.
Stommel says certain algae blooms produce a neurotoxin that may trigger the disease. The blue-green algae can be fatal to animals and should be avoided.
"If you see an active bloom in the water, which is like a green scum of the surface of the water or you hear of one, swimming in the water is probably not a good idea," Stommel advised.
According to Enfield's Health Inspector, no blue-green algae blooms have been spotted on Mascoma Lake this year.
Statistics show that the prevalence of ALS here is about 25 times greater than national norms. However, according to Dr. Stommel, there is no direct link between the disease and the lake, and there is no cause for public alarm.
"We certainly were not looking to scare anyone who lives near water and there is probably some necessity to have a genetic predisposition," Stommel said.
Back at the Barnes summer home, this native Granite Stater is worried more about milfoil in the water than anything else.
"I don't think people should panic. I think more information is obviously needed," Barnes said.
Neurologists agree even with the summer swimming season right around the corner.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
