Poorly-bound iron could be linked to Alzheimer’s, says study

Researchers at the University of Manchester analysed all the existing evidence for a link between iron and a number of medical conditions. Poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals which could lead to nerve cell death. Brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and green tea are a good source of chelators which prevent the iron from breaking up.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Iron is normally found in the brain and we know that it can become concentrated in the areas damaged in Alzheimer's disease. However, there is currently no evidence that it is a cause of the disease. This review of the existing research provides a useful summary of our understanding of iron and Alzheimer's. Far more research is now needed. Alzheimer's Society is currently funding research to understand the pattern of iron deposits in the brain in Alzheimer's and whether it could be used as a way of detecting the disease by a brain scan.

'Research has shown that the best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, don't smoke and get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked often.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Communications Manager
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: Douglas B. Kell, 'Towards a unifying, systems biology understanding of large-scale cellular death and destruction caused by poorly liganded iron: Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, prions, bactericides, chemical toxicology and others as examples', Archives of Toxicology 2010, volume 84.