COULD SUNCREAM CAUSE ALZHEIMER'S? Experts probe disease link.

Byline: EMILY COOK

USING suntan cream could lead to Alzheimer's disease, scientists fear.

They are carrying out a three-year study into the possible link between the lotion used by millions and the brain disorder.

The experts will also examine whether an ingredient in many beauty products could contribute to Parkinson's.

Dr Simon Ridley, research manager at the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "The exact causes of the disease are unknown so we need to investigate many angles."

The study will be carried out at the University of Ulster by Prof Vyvyan Howard and Dr Christian Holster, who have been given pounds 350,000 by the European Union.

They will be specifically looking at nanoparticles present in the chemicals used in sun screens.

Prof Howard said: "There is now firm evidence that some engineered nanoparticles entering intravenously or via lungs can reach the brains of small animals.

"The objective of this programme is to determine if engineered nanoparticles could constitute a significant risk to humans for two diseases - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."

Around 700,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia, 60 per cent of whom have the memory loss condition Alzheimer's. But if present trends continue, the numbers could rise to 1.4 million within 30 years.

Another 120,000 people in the UK suffer from Parkinson's, a degenerative illness that leads to loss of speech and movement.

But the advice is for people to carry on using suntan cream at the moment.

Dr Ridley at the Alzheimer's Trust welcomed all research that could lead to new ways to treat the condition.

But he added: "It is likely that genetic and environmental factors are involved. People should not worry about using sunscreen, which protects our skin from damage."