Cocaine Addiction Leads to Build-Up of Iron in the Brain
According to a new study carried out by researchers at the University of Cambridge, cocaine addiction may alter the way the body processes iron. This, in turn, can lead to a build-up in the brain. A build-up was noticed on the globus pallidus, the part of the brain which normally serves to inhibit our behaviour.
A direct link between the amount of iron build-up and the duration of cocaine use was detected. That is to say, the more someone uses cocaine, the greater build-up of iron they may have on their brain.
Iron build-up on the brain was also accompanied by iron deficiency in other parts of the body. This finding suggests cocaine use upsets the body’s way of regulating the mineral. Iron is used to produce red blood cells. These carry oxygen to the blood. Excessive iron in the brain is also associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
The investigation paths a way for future research into biological treatments for cocaine addiction.