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