Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have reportedly discovered a hormonal connection that allows exercise to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This groundbreaking finding further supports the role of physical activity in combating the illness. The study showed that irisin, a hormone produced during exercise, can help prevent the buildup of amyloid beta, a protein fragment known to contribute to plaque formation in the brain and cause Alzheimer’s symptoms.
New Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments
The connection was discovered when scientists introduced irisin to a 3D human cell culture model, simulating Alzheimer’s disease. They found that irisin stimulated an increase in the activity of an enzyme called neprilysin, which led to a significant reduction in plaque and amyloid beta accumulations. This study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and opens the door to potential new therapeutic targets.
Physical Activity and Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction
Numerous long-term studies have demonstrated that being physically active can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by approximately 30% and Alzheimer’s by 45%. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and encourages new brain cell growth, improving cognitive function. Physical activity also reduces inflammation and supports the production of growth factors, both crucial for maintaining brain health.
Engaging in Mentally Stimulating Activities
Aside from physical exercise, mentally challenging activities such as puzzles, card games, and continuing education courses can also help lower the risk of developing dementia in older adults by up to 11%. Participating in these cognitive-stimulating activities promotes brain health and keeps the mind sharp. Social interaction and mental activity can improve quality of life in elderly individuals and slow age-related cognitive decline.
Emerging Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments
In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Lecanemab, a first-of-its-kind medication to clear brain plaque. Some experts have raised concerns about its safety, but the FDA has thoroughly reviewed the treatment and deemed it a viable option for certain patients. Clinical trials will continue to evaluate its effectiveness and identify any potential risks.
The Rising Global Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease
With 10 million new dementia cases diagnosed worldwide each year, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is increasing rapidly, particularly in developing countries. This growing health issue places a significant burden on global healthcare systems and families who require specialized care and support, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into dementia prevention, treatment, and potential cures.
The Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Therapies
The team at Massachusetts General Hospital identified not only the link between irisin and lower levels of amyloid beta accumulations but also the specific receptor to which irisin binds to increase neprilysin activity. This discovery offers significant potential for creating new therapies to combat Alzheimer’s disease by targeting the irisin-neprilysin pathway. Researchers can now explore innovative strategies to enhance amyloid beta clearance and halt the progression of this debilitating neurological disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between exercise and Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers have discovered that irisin, a hormone produced during exercise, can help prevent the buildup of amyloid beta, a protein fragment known to contribute to plaque formation in the brain and cause Alzheimer’s symptoms. This finding supports the role of physical activity in combating the illness.
How does exercise reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and encourages new brain cell growth, improving cognitive function. Physical activity also reduces inflammation and supports the production of growth factors, both crucial for maintaining brain health. Regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by approximately 30% and Alzheimer’s by 45%.
What are other factors that can help lower the risk of developing dementia?
Mentally challenging activities such as puzzles, card games, and continuing education courses can help lower the risk of developing dementia in older adults by up to 11%. Participating in these cognitive-stimulating activities promotes brain health and keeps the mind sharp. Social interaction and mental activity can improve quality of life in elderly individuals and slow age-related cognitive decline.
What are some emerging Alzheimer’s disease treatments?
In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Lecanemab, a first-of-its-kind medication to clear brain plaque. Some experts have raised concerns about its safety, but the FDA has thoroughly reviewed the treatment and deemed it a viable option for certain patients. Clinical trials will continue to evaluate its effectiveness and identify any potential risks.
What is the future of Alzheimer’s disease therapies?
Researchers are exploring the irisin-neprilysin pathway as a potential target for creating new therapies to combat Alzheimer’s disease. By enhancing amyloid beta clearance and halting the progression of this debilitating neurological disorder, innovative strategies can be developed to address the growing global prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
First Reported on: forbes.com
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Ivan Samkov; Pexels; Thank you!
