High iron, copper levels block neuron repair

June, 2011

New findings help explain why too much copper and iron are bad for your brain, and why curry is good for it.

A new study finds out why curcumin might help protect against dementia, and links two factors associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases: DNA damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and excessive levels of copper and iron in parts of the brain. It turns out that high levels of copper or iron help generate large numbers of ROS and interfere with DNA repair.

While small amounts of iron and copper are vital, these are normally bound by proteins. However, when there’s too much, it can overwhelm the proteins and the result is "free" iron or copper ions circulating in the blood, able to initiate chemical reactions that produce reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the free copper and iron also interferes with the activity of two enzymes that repair DNA, NEIL1 and NEIL2.

However, the curry spice curcumin binds to iron and copper and was extremely effective in protecting the NEIL enzymes from the metals.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-05-high-iron-copper-block-brain-cell....

Reference:

Hegde, M.L., Hegde, P.M. , Rao, K.S.J. & Mitra, S. 2011. Oxidative Genome Damage and Its Repair in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Function of Transition Metals as a Double-Edged Sword. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease , 25 (1), 183-198.

seniors

Lifestyle

Related News

Music training protects against aging-related hearing loss

I’ve spoken before about the association between hearing loss in old age and dementia risk.

Nicotine patch shows benefits in mild cognitive impairment

The study involved 74 non-smokers with amnestic

Higher risk of mild cognitive impairment among older men

More data from the long-running Mayo Clinic Study of Aging has revealed that, in this one part of the U.S.

'Exergames' may provide greater cognitive benefit for older adults

We know that physical exercise greatly helps you prevent cognitive decline with aging. We know that mental stimulation also helps you prevent age-related cognitive decline. So it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a way of combining the two.

Cognitive decline begins in middle age

The age at which cognitive decline begins has been the subject of much debate. The Seattle longitudinal study has provided most of the evidence that it doesn’t begin until age 60.

Diet linked to brain atrophy in old age

The study involved 104 healthy older adults (average age 87) participating in the Oregon Brain Aging Study.

Physical evidence bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

Growing evidence points to greater education and mentally stimulating occupations and activities providing a

Brain atrophy may predict risk for early Alzheimer's disease

A study involving 159 older adults (average age 76) has confirmed that the amount of brain tissue in specific regions is a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease development.

Reviving a failing sense of smell through training

The olfactory bulb is in the oldest part of our brain. It connects directly to the

Why diabetes is linked to cognitive impairment in older adults

Why is diabetes associated with cognitive impairment and even dementia in older adults? New research pinpoints two molecules that trigger a cascade of events that end in poor blood flow and brain atrophy.

Pages