The researchers pointed out that Alzheimer's patients suffer from the accumulation of harmful protein deposits in the brain. Although a healthy brain is able to gradually discharge these "waste" into the bloodstream, this defense mechanism becomes less effective in those with the disease, leading to the toxic proteins remaining in the tissues and damaging nerve cells. Therefore, they tried to find solutions and compounds to purify the brain from these impurities.
To address this problem, scientists tested a compound called Cu(ATSM), which delivers copper to the brain to help repair the self-cleaning system. They tested it on laboratory mice that showed symptoms of Alzheimer's. After applying this method to the mice for 56 days, the animals' levels of toxic proteins in the brain decreased by 42%, while their spatial memory test results improved by approximately 44%.
The scientific team believes that this approach may open a new door in the treatment of Alzheimer's, not only by dealing with the proteins that accumulate in the brain, but also by helping the brain to regain its natural ability to get rid of "waste" on its own.
Health experts confirm that many factors may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, including problems with arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure, as well as continuous exposure to polluted air, in addition to genetic factors that play a key role in the development of the disease. Therefore, it is advised to constantly monitor the health of the heart and arteries and to stay away as much as possible from sources of pollution that may harm the health of the brain and nervous system.
