The study, which began in the 90 years of the last century, have been involved a few hundred men and women without any signs of dementia, whose average age was 79 years old.
At the first stage of the study participants measured the levels of leptin in blood plasma. This hormone, often called the "hormone of saturation, is responsible for controlling appetite and regulates the body's metabolism.
Re-examination of pensioners, including a brain MRI was conducted during 1999-2005. Finally, in 2007 was the last, the final assessment of mental abilities of participants.
Of the 198 who survived to the last survey of the elderly signs of dementia were detected in 111 patients, 89 patients had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. "
Dividing the participants into four groups depending on the concentration of leptin in the blood, identified at the beginning of the study, scientists found a clear relationship between this index with the risk of all types of dementia. In the group with the greatest concentration of the hormone, this risk was reduced by 68 percent.
Of the quarter under study with the highest levels of the hormone signs of dementia were identified in 6 percent in the group with the lowest concentrations - at 25 percent. High levels of leptin were also statistically associated with a large volume of brain substance at the end of the study.
Study report published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. As the authors of the publication, if their findings can establish a more extensive research, evaluation of leptin levels in the blood may be one of the methods for assessing individual risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. In addition, based on leptin may be new methods of prevention and treatment of these diseases.
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