Serum zinc/iron levels are decreased in Alzheimer's disease patients

Objectives:
Many publications have investigated the association between metal ions and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the results were ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

What is the association between serum copper/zinc/iron levels and Alzheimer's disease risk?

Study design:
This review article included 44 case-control studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 35 case-control studies (2,128 Alzheimer's disease patients and 2,889 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >54), that serum copper levels were significant higher in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = 9.13, 95% CI = 6.17 to 12.09, p 0.00001].

The investigators found in 22 case-control studies (1,027 Alzheimer's disease patients and 1,949 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >54), that serum zinc levels were significant lower in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = -7.80, 95% CI = -11.61 to -3.99, p 0.0001].

The investigators found in 25 case-control studies (1,379 Alzheimer's disease patients and 1,664 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >62.74), that serum iron levels were significant lower in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = -13.01, 95% CI = -20.75 to -5.27, p = 0.001].

The investigators concluded that serum copper levels are significantly increased, while serum zinc/iron levels are significantly decreased in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Original title:
Serum Copper, Zinc, and Iron Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies by Li DD, Zhang W, [...], Zhao P.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605551/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on copper, zinc, iron and dementia right here.