Intermittent oxygen deficiency as the cause of dementia.

It is well known that peroxidic materials can be expected to accumulate in simple molecules such as ethers or complex organic systems. Most such peroxides are stable at body temperature for long periods of time. However, when the supply of oxygen is depleted, certain metallic substances, e.g. iron, initiate a rapid chain reaction. This process, the rapid chain reaction of peroxide decomposition catalyzed by ferrous iron, is to be expected in any part of living tissue as an immediate result of oxygen deprivation. Dementia, it is postulated, is the result of limited, but repeated, oxygen deprivation in parts of the brain. The particular form of dementia will depend upon the specific part of the brain affected. Since tiny clots are the most likely source of blood and hence oxygen deficiency, it should not be surprising that various parts of the brain may be are affected. Dementia prevention would then require action to avoid even the smallest clots in the bloodstream. In general, actions which prevent coronary disease are indicated.