For a while now it has been known that the protein that controls weight and appetite called leptin can improve memory and metal function in animals with a dementia and Alzheimer's disease models. The mechanisms by which it does this is via beta-amyloid clearance and facilitation of long term potentiation and synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus. But until now it was unknown if similar effects occured in humans.
In the recent Journal of the American Medical Association involved measuring the plasma leptin concentrations of 785 persons of an average age of 79 without dementia between 1990-1994. Between 1999 and 2005 a sub sample of 198 dementia-free survivors underwent volumetric brain MRI. Two measures of brain aging were assessed during these scans. Cerebral brain volume and temporal horn volume. The researchers found that elevated leptin levels was associated with higher total cerebral brain volume and lower temporal horn volume and higher leptin levels were generally associated with a lower incidence of AD and dementia.
In the 12 years of follow up study it was concluded that those with the lowest plasma leptin levels had a 25% chance of developing Alzheimer's disease vs 6% in people with the highest levels. One researcher was quoted as saying "If our findings are confirmed by others, leptin levels in older adults may serve as one of several possible biomarkers for healthy brain aging and, more importantly, may open new pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic intervention."
It is so hard to lose someone to dementia. Very hard to accept that loss and to accept this new person in your loved ones body. Prayers for you both.
ReplyDeleteDementia specialist