Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging

Abstract

Zinc, an essential micronutrient for life, was first discovered in 1869 and later found to be indispensable for the normal development of plants and for the normal growth of rats and birds. Zinc plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes in normal mammalian brain development, especially in the development of the central nervous system. Zinc deficiency can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, mental abnormalities, sleep disorders, tumors, vascular diseases, and other pathological conditions, which can cause cognitive impairment and premature aging. This study aimed to review the important effects of zinc and zinc-associated proteins in cognitive impairment and aging, to reveal its molecular mechanism, and to highlight potential interventions for zinc-associated aging and cognitive impairments.

Signaling pathway mechanisms of neurological diseases induced by G protein‐coupled receptor 39

“…89 Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial. 6 Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS. However, the specific relationship between GPR39, as a zinc receptor, and stroke must be further studied.…”

“…Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial 6 . Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS.…”

Signaling pathway mechanisms of neurological diseases induced by G protein‐coupled receptor 39

“…89 Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial. 6 Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS. However, the specific relationship between GPR39, as a zinc receptor, and stroke must be further studied.…”

“…Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial 6 . Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS.…”

Epidemiological Evidence on the Associations of Metal Exposure with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Elderly Women

“…While heavy metal accumulation may result in neurotoxicity, deficiencies in essential trace elements like Zn and Se have also been implicated in cognitive decline. Zn plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity neuronal signaling, and neuroprotection and its deficiency leads to the development of neurodegenerative disease, including AD [ 121 ] On the other hand, Se is involved in antioxidant defense and brain function, and a lower level of Se has been strongly linked to AD [ 53 , 122 ]. Aging women are prone to these trace metal deficiencies due to the combination of hormonal changes, lower absorption rates, higher oxidative stress, dietary differences, chronic inflammation, and gut health issues [ 123 ].…”

Association of zinc deficiency and risk of new-onset dementia: a retrospective cohort study

“…In the current study, the consistent risk elevation across different analytical approaches suggests a meaningful clinical relationship. Zinc plays fundamental roles in synaptic transmission, neuronal development, and protection against oxidative stress ( 15 – 18 ). The dose-response relationship further supports these mechanistic pathways, indicating that the degree of zinc deficiency directly correlates with neurological risk.…”

Signaling pathway mechanisms of neurological diseases induced by G protein‐coupled receptor 39

“…89 Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial. 6 Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS. However, the specific relationship between GPR39, as a zinc receptor, and stroke must be further studied.…”

“…Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial 6 . Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS.…”

Epidemiological Evidence on the Associations of Metal Exposure with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Elderly Women

“…While heavy metal accumulation may result in neurotoxicity, deficiencies in essential trace elements like Zn and Se have also been implicated in cognitive decline. Zn plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity neuronal signaling, and neuroprotection and its deficiency leads to the development of neurodegenerative disease, including AD [ 121 ] On the other hand, Se is involved in antioxidant defense and brain function, and a lower level of Se has been strongly linked to AD [ 53 , 122 ]. Aging women are prone to these trace metal deficiencies due to the combination of hormonal changes, lower absorption rates, higher oxidative stress, dietary differences, chronic inflammation, and gut health issues [ 123 ].…”

Association of zinc deficiency and risk of new-onset dementia: a retrospective cohort study

“…In the current study, the consistent risk elevation across different analytical approaches suggests a meaningful clinical relationship. Zinc plays fundamental roles in synaptic transmission, neuronal development, and protection against oxidative stress ( 15 – 18 ). The dose-response relationship further supports these mechanistic pathways, indicating that the degree of zinc deficiency directly correlates with neurological risk.…”

Signaling pathway mechanisms of neurological diseases induced by G protein‐coupled receptor 39

“…89 Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial. 6 Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS. However, the specific relationship between GPR39, as a zinc receptor, and stroke must be further studied.…”

“…Therefore, maintaining Zn homeostasis is crucial 6 . Based on the present findings, Zn has two sides, particularly in IS.…”

Epidemiological Evidence on the Associations of Metal Exposure with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Elderly Women

“…While heavy metal accumulation may result in neurotoxicity, deficiencies in essential trace elements like Zn and Se have also been implicated in cognitive decline. Zn plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity neuronal signaling, and neuroprotection and its deficiency leads to the development of neurodegenerative disease, including AD [ 121 ] On the other hand, Se is involved in antioxidant defense and brain function, and a lower level of Se has been strongly linked to AD [ 53 , 122 ]. Aging women are prone to these trace metal deficiencies due to the combination of hormonal changes, lower absorption rates, higher oxidative stress, dietary differences, chronic inflammation, and gut health issues [ 123 ].…”

Association of zinc deficiency and risk of new-onset dementia: a retrospective cohort study

“…In the current study, the consistent risk elevation across different analytical approaches suggests a meaningful clinical relationship. Zinc plays fundamental roles in synaptic transmission, neuronal development, and protection against oxidative stress ( 15 – 18 ). The dose-response relationship further supports these mechanistic pathways, indicating that the degree of zinc deficiency directly correlates with neurological risk.…”