Copper found in drinking water, food, and vitamin supplements may contribute to Alzheimer's disease according to the Los Angeles Times.
"The key will be striking the right balance between too much and too little copper consumption," University of Rochester neuroscientist Rashid Deane told the Times. "Right now, we cannot say what the right level will be. But diet may one day play an important role in regulating this process."
According to the Times, copper can cause protein to build up abnormally and brain inflammation. The mineral also has the potential to come off of pipes and into people's drinking water the Times reported.
Copper is vital for the body because it makes the body's nerves healthy, helps its bones to grow, and ensures hormones give off what they are supposed to, but consuming the mineral in excessive amounts may not be good for the body, according to University of Rochester researchers.
The effects of copper can lead to Alzheimer's disease when the protective wall, which keeps toxins outside of the brain, breaks and causes the toxins to enter the organ the Times reported. There is also an increase in the production of amino acid beta-amyloid, but a delay in the performance of proteins cleansing the brain.
Brain tissues can also become inflamed, the Times reported. When there are low levels of the mineral in the brain for short amounts of times, the tissues may be responding to the large amount of beta amyloid proteins and are attempting get rid of them. If left, the inflammation can hurt cells in the brain.
The team dealt with mice and human brain cells when they formed the barrier between the blood and the brain so they could find the mechanisms where copper might begin, progress, or worsen Alzheimer's disease the Times reported.
