According to a new study at the University of California,
Los Angeles, excess iron may be the catalyst that turns tau and beta-amyloid
proteins in the brain toxic, thus starting the development of Alzheimer’s
disease. Tau and beta-amyloid proteins are thought to be responsible for the
characteristic plaques and tangles found in aging brains. However, autopsies on
elderly people with no symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease often show these plaques
and tangles. This knowledge spurred researchers to begin a study in order to
discover what additional factor is needed to kick start the disease process.
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