Metal ions and metal complexes in Alzheimer’s disease

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that seriously affects daily life. Even if AD pathogenesis is still subject of debate, it is generally accepted that cerebral cortex plaques formed by aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides can be considered a characteristic pathological hallmark. It is well known that metal ions play an important role in the aggregation process of Aβ. Methods: This review focuses on the anti-Aβ aggregation activity of chelating ligands as well as on the use of metal complexes as diagnostic probes and as potential drugs. Conclusion: While chelating agents, such as curcumin or flavonoid derivatives, are currently used to capture metal ions responsible for Aβ aggregation, the potential application of platinum, ruthenium and cobalt complexes, among others, of several heterocyclic ligands, represents a promising new strategy to fight AD.