Can you outrun DEMENTIA? Exercise-induced hormone reduces Alzheimer’s plaque in lab
- A hormone called irisin released during a workout reduces plaques in the brain
- It causes higher levels of the neprilysin enzyme, which gets rid of amyloid beta
- READ MORE: Scientists launch trials into whether Ozempic can treat dementia
The reason exercise can prevent Alzheimer’s disease has been discovered and could lead to new treatments for the incurable condition.
Experts have shown that a hormone called irisin released during a workout clears plaques in the brain associated with the memory-robbing condition.
In a study in a lab, amyloid beta proteins exposed to irisin showed ‘remarkable reduction.’
Physical exercise has been shown to reduce amyloid beta deposits in various mouse models, but the mechanisms involved have remained a mystery.
Now the study, published in the journal Neuron, solves the puzzle and promises new ways to prevent or cure the condition.
Experts have found that a hormone called irisin released during a workout reduces the plaques and tangles in the brain thought to cause Alzheimer’s
For example, the researchers said it could spur new potential treatments, such as irisin injected into the bloodstream.
Scientists launch trials into whether Ozempic can treat DEMENTIA
Scientists are curious if Ozempic could also be used to treat other health conditions, like alcoholism, drug addiction and even dementia.
Lead author of the study Dr Se Hoon Choi, assistant professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), said: ‘First, we found that irisin treatment led to a remarkable reduction of amyloid beta pathology.
‘Second, we showed this effect of irisin was attributable to increased neprilysin activity owing to increased levels of neprilysin secreted from cells in the brain called astrocytes.’
The team had previously developed the first 3D model of Alzheimer’s — a system of cells built in a lab to represent a human brain with the condition.
It had the two major hallmarks of the condition — amyloid beta deposits and tau tangles in the brain.
It was already known that exercise causes muscles to release irisin, therefore increasing levels in the body.
It improves muscle activity, increasing the amount of energy muscles can use.
The team applied the hormone to their 3D model of a human brain of Alzheimer’s disease.
Neprilysin is an amyloid beta–degrading enzyme found in the brains of mice who were made to exercise.
Previous studies have shown that in mice, irisin injected into the bloodstream can make its way into the brain, making it potentially useful as a therapeutic.
Dr Rudolph Tanzi, a senior author of the study and director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at MGH, said: ‘Our findings indicate that irisin is a major mediator of exercise-induced increases in neprilysin levels leading to reduced amyloid beta burden, suggesting a new target pathway for therapies aimed at the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.’
What is Alzheimer’s and how is it treated?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which the build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.
This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages, and causes the brain to shrink.
More than 5million people suffer from the disease in the US, where it is the 6th leading cause of death, and more than 1million Britons have it.
WHAT HAPPENS?
As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost.
That includes memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason.
The progress of the disease is slow and gradual.
On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some may live for ten to 15 years.
EARLY SYMPTOMS:
- Loss of short-term memory
- Disorientation
- Behavioral changes
- Mood swings
- Difficulties dealing with money or making a phone call
LATER SYMPTOMS:
- Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places
- Becoming anxious and frustrated over inability to make sense of the world, leading to aggressive behavior
- Eventually lose ability to walk
- May have problems eating
- The majority will eventually need 24-hour care
HOW IT IS TREATED?
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
However, some treatments are available that help alleviate some of the symptoms.
One of these is Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which helps brain cells communicate to one another.
Another is menantine which works by blocking a chemical called glutamate that can build-up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease inhibiting mental function.
As the disease progresses Alzheimer’s patients can start displaying aggressive behaviour and/or may suffer from depression. Drugs can be provided to help mitigate these symptoms.
Other non-pharmaceutical treatments like mental training to improve memory helping combat the one aspect of Alzheimer’s disease is also recommended.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association and the NHS
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