Fig. 2.

The different levels of zinc, copper, molybdenum, and iodine between healthy brain and AD brain. Metalloproteinases can break down β-amyloid, with zinc necessitating that function. Zinc transporters are abnormally expressed in AD brains. As zinc is displaced in AD, metalloproteinases are reduced, with the resultant effect of accumulated β-amyloid protein in the brain. Whereas some brain regions in AD patients might have lower copper levels, other areas may be in excess. Furthermore, AD brains (specifically, within the β-amyloid plaques) have higher concentration of copper than healthy brains. Besides, β-amyloid oligomers instigate cell membrane disruption and alter actin structure. However, the usage of MoS₂ quantum dots may reverse these detrimental effects. Concerning iodine, its level in the brain of healthy individuals may be low and unevenly distributed. Notwithstanding, brain regions involved in cognition appear to have highest level of iodine