Copper and zinc may hold key to treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A group of Melbourne researchers at Deakin University believe a better under-standing of how copper and zinc affect the brain has led them closer to a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Julian Mercer, an expert on the effects of copper on health, said in an interview: 'Good evidence exists that Alzheimer's was related to a disturbance of copper and zinc levels in the brain. We appear to be entering a new era of treatment for Alzheimer's disease.'

Associate professor Leigh Ackland, who has collected data from animals which shows that a diet deficient in fatty acid causes abnormalities with zinc in the brain, added: 'Fatty acid deficiency is also associated with an increase in the risk of Alzheimer's.'

At least one drug company is already testing a copper compound and in some patients there have been some promising results. Prof Mercer commented: 'It could be that something simple like modification of the delivery of copper and zinc to the brain could delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.'