ABSTRACT
Numerous hypotheses about the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been suggested, including genetic defect, slow or unconventional virus disorder, defective membrane metabolism, endogenous toxins, amyloid precursor protein abnormality, calcium metabolism abnormality, mitochondrial defect, free radical mediated neurodegeneration, and trace element neurotoxicity. The elements receiving the most attention in AD are aluminum (Al), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe). Al is the element that has received the most emphasis in AD, but its role in the pathogenesis of this disorder has never been defined. Another element that has been postulated to possibly be involved in AD is Hg. It has been suggested that a deficiency of Zn may play a role in AD. Another element that could be important in the pathogenesis of AD is Fe, one of the most common elements in the earth’s crust and an essential element in plant and animal life.
