Brain Killer

Nobody is sure of the cause of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Now scientists have suggested that excess of iron and copper may be the culprit. High levels of these metals function as a double whammy in the brain.

Since they are not bound by proteins in the blood, they generate large numbers of the DNA-attacking reactive oxygen species. Normally DNA-repair enzymes correct the damage but these metal ions interfere with the machinery of DNA repair.

Source: Down To Earth, June 2011