Mar 17, 2025
Story at-a-glance
- Iron plays essential roles in brain function, helping transport oxygen and create neurotransmitters, but if excess iron accumulates in brain tissue, it disrupts normal cellular processes
- Research shows higher iron levels in Alzheimer's patients' brains correlate with cognitive decline severity, suggesting iron buildup directly contributes to disease progression
- Scientists have revealed that malfunctioning amyloid precursor protein and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease contribute to iron accumulation, creating a harmful feedback loop that accelerates neuronal damage
- Through advanced imaging, researchers found an imbalance favoring Fe3+ (ferric iron) over Fe2+ (ferrous iron) in Alzheimer's-affected brains, particularly around amyloid plaques
- Regular blood donation and monitoring ferritin levels (ideally 20 to 40 ng/mL) help manage iron levels, while adequate copper intake is important for proper iron metabolism