Copper and Alzheimer's Disease: A New Hypothesis
Author Information
Author(s): George J. Brewer
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Ingestion of inorganic copper from drinking water and from copper supplements is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and a major factor causing the Alzheimer's disease epidemic.
Conclusion
The hypothesis that inorganic copper contributes to the Alzheimer's disease epidemic is well supported by evidence and deserves serious consideration.
Supporting Evidence
- The epidemic of Alzheimer's disease is a new phenomenon associated with the use of copper plumbing.
- Ingestion of inorganic copper leached from plumbing is a major factor in causing the Alzheimer's epidemic.
- Elevated free copper in the blood of Alzheimer's patients is a pathogenic factor.
- Studies show that trace amounts of copper in drinking water enhance Alzheimer's-like pathology in animal models.
Takeaway
Drinking water and supplements with inorganic copper might be making people sick with Alzheimer's disease, and we should look into it more.
Methodology
The author reviews existing literature and presents evidence supporting the hypothesis regarding copper's role in Alzheimer's disease.
Potential Biases
Some objections to the hypothesis may stem from conflicts of interest, particularly from the copper industry.
Limitations
The hypothesis is still unproven and faces skepticism from the scientific community.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website