IJGG Journal

Abstract

Background: Oxidative metals play a key role in amyloid cascade hypothesis for Alzheimer’s dementia by the oxidative damage in the amyloid plaques. However, the studies measuring peripheral metal concentrations have shown variable and inconsistent results. Aim: To estimate the serum levels of metals- copper and zinc in the blood of patients with Dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and comparing them with patients with vascular/mixed dementia and normal controls. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with dementia of Alzheimer type, vascular and mixed dementia attending a neuropsychiatric clinic wherein serum copper (both total and free copper), zinc, ceruloplasmin was measured. Results: 143 individuals constituted the study sample of which 83 were diagnosed with dementia and 60 were controls. Out of 83 patients with dementia, 43 were with Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (DAT), 27 were with Vascular Dementia (VAD) subtype and 13 were of mixed subtype. The mean level of serum copper (total and free) and zinc levels in cases were significantly higher in cases of dementia as compared to controls (p= 0.00). The serum copper (total and free) levels increased with increased severity of dementia measured by CDR score (p=0.00). Conclusion: Patients with dementia showed higher levels of serum copper, serum free copper and serum zinc and lower levels of ceruloplasmin as compared to normal elderly controls.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s dementia, Vascular dementia, copper, zinc, ceruloplasmin