New research from the University of Dundee in Scotland has uncovered the potential for an appetite-suppressing hormone found in the brain to be used as a treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.
The study focused on a specific part of the hormone leptin, which has shown promise in reducing the effects of the harmful proteins that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. Lead researcher and professor Jenni Harvey highlighted that targeting synapses in the brain, where the disease begins, could be a key strategy for reversing its effects.
Leptin has demonstrated the ability to block plaque proteins from interfering with brain synapses, offering hope for preventing the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. The research has also outlined a potential drug template to enhance the hormone’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a critical challenge in developing effective dementia therapies.
Harvey emphasized the lengthy process of drug development and the importance of rigorous safety checks before any new therapies can be made available to patients. Despite the challenges, this research represents a significant step towards innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
