A copper-based compound restored the brain’s ability to clear toxic Alzheimer’s proteins, dramatically reducing amyloid buildup and improving memory in laboratory experiments. The findings point to a potentially fast-tracked new treatment strategy because the drug has already been tested in humans for other neurological conditions.

“This is the first study to show that [the compound] Cu(ATSM) can increase the abundance of P-gp clearance pumps in an Alzheimer’s model, by 24.1 percent, effectively linking the repair of the blood-brain barrier to a reduction in toxic proteins and improved cognitive function,” Dr. Pyun said.

“By improving the pumps, the brain can finally clear out the trapped waste. Over 56 days, the treatment reduced toxic amyloid-beta by 42 percent and improved spatial learning by nearly 44 percent.”

“Cu(ATSM) is a copper compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that has already progressed to clinical testing for conditions like Parkinson’s and ALS,” Professor Nicolazzo said.

    • tempest@lemmy.caEnglish
      101·
      2 days ago

      Very little copper in modern pennies, you should probably just supplement zinc. Helps with colds as well.

      • MyTurtleSwimsUpsideDown@fedia.io
        11·
        2 days ago

        Proportionally little copper in modern pennies. But the outside is a thin veneer of copper plating. Unless they are nomming on an individual coin long enough the for their saliva to eat through the copper layer like the chocolate on a peanut m&m, then their exposure is no different than a wholey copper coin.