A Longitudinal Investigation into the Effect of Zn and Cu on Spatial Learning/Memory and Social Preference in a Mouse Model of LOAD

Abstract

This study examined the effects of dietary copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) on spatial learning/memory and social preference in a mouse model of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous research has indicated that excess dietary Zn may cause behavioral impairments through an induced Cu deficiency. Using a mildly Cu deficient hard diet, we initially tested this theory in an early onset model of AD, which suggested instead that 1.) the effects of Cu and Zn may differ in the brain regions controlling different behaviors, and that 2.) the effect of excess Zn may not be entirely due to an induced Cu deficiency.