Association between ageing, brain chemistry and white matter volume revealed with complementary MRI and FTIR brain imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard method to study brain anatomy . Using MRI, subtle alterations to white matter structures in the brain are observed prior to cognitive decline associated with the ageing process, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Detection of such alterations provides hope for early clinical diagnosis.

A review of the "metallome" within neurons and glia, as revealed by elemental mapping of brain tissue.

It is now well established that transition metals, such as Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) are necessary for healthy brain function. Although Fe, Cu, and Zn are essential to the brain, imbalances in the amount, distribution, or chemical form ("metallome") of these metals is linked to the pathology of numerous brain diseases or disorders. Despite the known importance of metal ions for both brain health and disease, the metallome that exists within specific types of brain cells is yet to be fully characterised.

[Mapping the Metallo-maze to Memory Loss: Does Neuronal Metal Ion Deficiency Contribute to Dementia?].

Dementia has no cure and is an international health crisis. In addition to the immeasurable loss of QOL caused by dementia, the global economic cost is predicted to reach $2 trillion (USD) by 2030. Although much remains unknown about the biochemical pathways driving cognitive decline and memory loss during dementia, metals have been implicated in neurodegenerative disease.

Revealing differences in the chemical form of zinc in brain tissue using K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy.

Zinc is a prominent trace metal required for normal memory function. Memory loss and cognitive decline during natural ageing and neurodegenerative disease have been associated with altered brain-Zn homeostasis. Yet, the exact chemical pathways through which Zn influences memory function during health, natural ageing, or neurodegenerative disease remain unknown.