Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 07, 2025 1 month, 2 days, 18 hours, 11 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Hormonal Influence
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that primarily affects older adults, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Researchers have long explored different factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s, and a new study has turned its focus to stress hormones and how they might play a role in the disease.
Study Explores Link Between Stress Hormones and Alzheimer
A team of scientists from Università Politecnica delle Marche in Italy, the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, and the University of Palermo investigated how a specific enzyme - 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1) - might influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This enzyme regulates cortisol, a stress hormone that has been linked to brain function, neuroinflammation, and memory loss.
How Stress Hormones Affect the Brain
This
Medical News report highlights that the enzyme 11β-HSD1 is involved in converting inactive cortisone into its active form, cortisol. In a healthy brain, cortisol plays a role in stress response and metabolism. However, when cortisol levels remain high for extended periods, it can damage brain cells, leading to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and the buildup of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s.
The study analyzed genetic data and previous clinical trials to determine whether 11β-HSD1 contributes to neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that overactivation of this enzyme leads to excessive cortisol levels, which may worsen cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers also found that certain genetic variations in the HSD11B1 gene (which encodes 11β-HSD1) may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Potential for New Treatments
Given its role in regulating cortisol, scientists believe that inhibiting 11β-HSD1 could be a promising approach to slowing Alzheimer’s progression. Preclinical studies - conducted on animal models - have shown that blocking this enzyme can reduce inflammation, improve memory, and protect brain cells. Several experimental drugs, such as Xanamem and ABT-384, have been tested in clinical trials.
Xanamem has shown potential in improving cognitive function in patients with high levels of pTau181, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s. However, previous trials with ABT-384 did not result in significant cognitive improvements, despite effectively lowering cortisol levels. This suggests that while 11β-HSD1 inhibition may be beneficial, more research is needed to refine treatment strategies and identify which patients would benefit the most.
Future Research and Challenges
While the findings are promising, researchers emphasize that Alzheimer’s is a complex disease influenced by multiple factors. The study suggests that 11β-HSD1 inhibi
tors might work best when combined with other treatments targeting neuroinflammation, protein buildup, and brain metabolism.
Additionally, scientists stress the importance of early intervention. Alzheimer’s progresses over time, and treatments are generally more effective in the early stages before significant brain damage occurs. Future clinical trials will aim to test different doses, treatment combinations, and patient selection strategies to improve outcomes.
Conclusion
The study provides valuable insights into how stress hormones might influence Alzheimer’s disease and opens up new possibilities for treatment. While blocking 11β-HSD1 appears promising, more research is needed to determine its full potential and effectiveness. By understanding the role of cortisol and its impact on the brain, researchers hope to develop better strategies for slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s progression in the future.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/3/1357
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