Metals in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, currently affecting over 55 million people worldwide, with projections of 78 million by 2030, according to the Alzheimer's Association 2022 report. Despite extensive research, no conventional treatments have meaningfully slowed AD progression. The amyloid cascade hypothesis faces criticism as a sole explanatory framework. Recent studies highlight the dysregulation of metal homeostasis, particularly iron, copper, and zinc, as a significant factor in AD pathology. In affected brains there is noticeable intra-neuronal iron accumulation and increased levels of copper and zinc in amyloid plaques, with plaque concentrations significantly exceeding those in surrounding cortical tissue.