Memory functions in persons with dental amalgam

Memory and psychophysiological variables in persons with self-reported reactions to dental amalgam (amalgam patients: N=26) and in persons without such symptoms (controls: N=21) were compared. The groups were matched regarding age, education, and amount of amalgam. Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised was obtained for all subjects and compared to amalgam points in a dose-response design. The results demonstrated that amalgam patients function on the same level as the controls regarding memory variables, attention, concentration, and delayed recall. Psychophysiological measures of skin conductance as correlates of attention and basal memory functions, were compared in the two groups. No differences between the two groups were observed and no correlation between memory variables and exposure to amalgam could be detected.