A common hormone already produced by the body could halt early-stage Alzheimer’s. Leptin, released by fat cells and involved in appetite regulation, potentially reduces the effects of toxic brain proteins amyloid and tau. These proteins cause plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at the University of Dundee found that a part of leptin can block amyloid and tau from interfering with brain synapses, which are affected early in Alzheimer's. This could make leptin a key player in stopping Alzheimer's development in its earliest stages.

Professor Jenni Harvey, leading the research, noted that leptin could significantly slow or even stop the disease. Their study identified six amino acid fragments within leptin that block amyloid and tau's negative effects, enabling the design of a potential drug template.

While it may take years for leptin-based drugs to become available, this discovery is promising. Currently, 900,000 people in the UK live with dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2050. Alzheimer's is the most common form, with no specific treatment to reverse brain damage.

Common symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia, include memory problems like misplacing items or forgetting recent conversations. About 20% of people over 65 have MCI, and 10% of them may develop dementia.

To keep our brains healthy, it's crucial to take steps like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in mental activities. These efforts can help slow down cognitive decline and support overall brain health.

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