An antibiotic that removes metals from the brain is emerging as a prime candidate for treating Alzheimer's. This boosts a controversial theory that blames the accumulation of metals, rather than the formation of insoluble plaques, for the disease's characteristic mental deterioration. The antibiotic, clioquinol, binds to copper and zinc and is small enough to get into the brain. It is no longer manufactured but was last used in the 1970s to treat intestinal infections. Now, in various medical schools, efforts are being made to resurrect the drug to treat Alzheimer's.
According to the passage, the reason for the characteristic decline in mental capacity occurring in those with Alzheimer's ___.
has so far aroused little interest
is definitely due to the formation of insoluble plaques
has at last been agreed on
is still under debate
can be safely ignored
According to the passage, if it is the accumulation of metals in the brain that gives rise to mental deterioration in Alzheimer's, ___.
and not the formation of insoluble plaques, then there seems, at present, to be no cure for the condition
then the antibiotic clioquinol has a good chance of proving effective in the treatment of this disease
then there are several ways by which a cure can be affected
rather than the formation of insoluble plaques, then the next step is to ascertain which metals
then the management of the condition should be radically changed