For FULL-SCREEN-VIEW, click the icon in the lower right corner of video.
Article on Video:
High levels of the hormone leptin, which may help prevent over-eating, is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's according to a new study published recently.
The research, which appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at brain scans from 198 older people after measuring their leptin levels. It found a quarter of those with the lowest levels of leptin developed Alzheimer's compared with six per cent of those with the highest levels.
Researchers performed 12 years of follow-up.
Professor Mark A. Smith, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Neurotez and Professor of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University stated "In support of the importance of Leptin in AD, the article quotes experimental data from Neurotez where we have shown that Leptin decreases the underlying AD pathology and improves memory function in animals." In the article's conclusion, and citing another paper from Neurotez, the authors state, "... more importantly, (these findings) may open new pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic interventions."
"Neurotez was not at all involved in this important study," said Neurotez CEO Nikolaos Tezapsidis, "but the results strongly support our plans to take a Leptin product into clinical trials as a novel hormone replacement therapy for AD."
Neurotez, Inc. will provide an update to the investment community of the company's clinical and business development plans at the Biotech Showcase 2010 meeting in San Francisco. The Biotech Showcase™ will take place at the Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel on January 12-13, 2010.
Susanne Sorensen,
Head of Research at The
Alzheimer's Society, added, "This is an important study that provides exciting data suggesting a link between higher levels of leptin and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Further investigation is now needed to understand this relationship. This could move us closer to understanding the causes of the disease and provide vital information for drug development."
Dr. Susan Resnick, of the National Institute on Aging, explains "the increased risk for dementia in older women who had previously taken post-menopausal hormone therapy."
A recent study found bright light slowed the onset of limitations in over 50% of people suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementias. It also helped reduce depression and agitation.
