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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Yaxin Dong1, Lu Ren1, TianRan Tang2

  • 1Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No. 279, Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201318, China.

Biological Trace Element Research
|December 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Levels of certain heavy metals and trace elements differ in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Monitoring these elements may offer new strategies for early intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Environmental Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Significant heterogeneity exists in heavy metal and trace element levels among MCI patients.
  • Understanding these elemental differences is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on heavy metal and trace element levels in MCI patients compared to healthy controls.
  • To identify specific elements with altered concentrations in MCI.
  • To explore potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets based on elemental profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese academic databases (2000-present).
  • Inclusion of 43 case-control/cross-sectional studies involving 16,743 samples.
  • Meta-analysis using a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) for 12 elements.

Main Results:

  • Elevated levels of Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb) were observed in MCI patients.
  • Significantly lower levels of Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) were found in MCI patients.
  • No significant differences were noted for Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg), among others.

Conclusions:

  • Specific heavy metal and trace element profiles are associated with mild cognitive impairment.
  • Altered levels of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn suggest their potential role in MCI pathogenesis.
  • Monitoring and modulating these element levels could represent novel targets for early intervention strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords:
Early interventionHeavy metalsMeta-analysisMild cognitive impairmentTrace elements

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