A hormone called irisin may improve memory and protect against Alzheimer’s.
Researchers from the USA, Canada and Brazil examined a possible connection between levels of the hormone irisin and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by examining irisin levels in tissue samples of patients with AD and in mouse models of AD. Irisin levels were found to be reduced in human AD patients and in the animal models. Animal experiments further showed irisin in mice protects the brain’s synapses and the animal’s memory. The effect of exercise was also examined in mice. Exercise was found to protect mice against memory impairment. However, when irisin levels were blocked in mice this effect of exercise was eliminated. The research highlights the potential of physical exercise to improve memory and brain function.
doi.org/10.1038/s41591-018-0275-4
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