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Health News Archive 187 - Alzheimer's Disease
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Copper Deficiency Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

In this study, investigators looked into the ability of copper to stabilize cognitive decline in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 

Plasma copper levels were measured in over 30 patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.  In addition, researchers also measured subjects' cognitive abilities using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog).

While all of the subjects in the study were found to have copper levels between 65 and 165 Ig/dL, over 87% of them exhibited a negative correlation between plasma copper levels and cognitive decline.  Those with medium plasma copper levels made fewer mistakes in the memory test compared to those with low plasma copper levels.  Researchers claim this finding supports the hypothesis of a mild copper deficiency in most Alzheimer patients.  As such, they believe supplementation with copper might be necessary to stave off cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. 

Source: J Alzheimers Dis, September 2005;8(1):23-7.