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Scientists are studying one man’s theory that the real
culprit in Alzheimer’s is a copper and zinc buildup in
the brain. Since 1996, this theory was criticized because
it ran counter to the leading theory but now researchers are
starting to think differently because of a new promising drug
that is being presently studied.
For many years, scientists have believed that Alzheimer’s
disease was due to protein clumps in the brain, which highlighted
metals, mainly aluminum, as the main offender. However, the
other theory suggests that the accumulated metals (zinc and
copper) mix abnormally with a protein called beta amyloid
in the brain, which oxidizes and destroys the body’s
nerve cells.
The researcher’s theory is still far from being clear
that he has unearthed a new key to the treatment of Alzheimer’s
since it is difficult to measure copper and zinc in the human
brain.
USA
Today December 26, 2003
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