Is Iron Stealing Your Mind? The Alzheimer's Link

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