Heavy metal toxicity is one of the most common causes of memory decline in people of all ages, but particularly for the elderly.

Any patient suffering cognitive symptoms should get a full workup for heavy metal toxicity.

My partners and I have tested thousands of patients for heavy metal toxicity. The vast majority — some 80 percent — tested positive for toxicity.

The most common types of heavy metal toxicity are lead and mercury.

However, other metals such as cadmium and aluminum are also often present.

Similar to nutritional deficiencies, not much is taught in medical school about heavy metal toxicity. We learned a little about lead poisoning in children, but hardly anything else.

And there was just about nothing on how to test for or treat other heavy metal toxicity.

The most common source of mercury toxicity is dental amalgam — the dark-colored fillings dentists use to fill a tooth cavity — which contain 50 percent mercury by weight.

Amalgam fillings should never be used. In fact, they should be outlawed because they introduce one of the most dangerous neurotoxins known to mankind into the body.

Lead can come from old water pipes, and still circulates in our environment from years of burning leaded gasoline in cars.

Aluminum can be found in many consumer products, including antiperspirant. It is better to use deodorant that does not contain aluminum.

Heavy metal toxicity can be diagnosed by hair testing or chelation challenge testing. But because most doctors don’t know how to diagnose much less treat the condition, I suggest seeing a healthcare provider who understands heavy metal toxicity.

You can find a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable through the website of the International College of Integrative Medicine (ICIMED.com).

When you call to see someone, ask if they diagnose and treat heavy metal toxicity.