A DERIVATIVE OF OXYTOCIN (THE “LOVE HORMONE”) delivered via nasal passages improved memory in cognitively impaired mice. Today we explore the relationship between love hormones (oxytocin) and dementia.
While the study did not use human subjects, the findings suggest that oxytocin may someday help reduce cognitive impairment linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia forms.
Although the study used mice and not human participants, the findings suggest that oxytocin could potentially reduce the cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is common
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The condition accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. The Alzheimer’s Association reminds us that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer’s begins with mild memory loss (and can be associated with losing the ability to converse or respond appropriately to the environment) and is progressive.
The Alzheimer’s Association reminds us that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Increasing age is a dominant risk factor, with the majority of those with the condition 65 and older. If an affected person is under 65, we refer to the condition as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
In the United States, 5.8 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number living with it doubles every five years beyond age 65 and is expected to nearly triple to 14 million by 2060.
Alzheimer’s disease is a continuum
Alzheimer’s disease progresses in stages, with symptom severity increasing over time:
- Asymptomatic. Individuals without symptoms may have biological changes of dementia in their brain but no symptoms. Markers of Alzheimer’s (including amyloid plaque buildup) may be present up to two decades before someone shows cognitive changes.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease. Mild cognitive impairment is an early cognitive loss in someone who maintains the ability to perform most activities of daily living independently. Some will progress to dementia, while others will not. Still, mild cognitive impairment can represent an early stage of Alzheimer’s if hallmark brain changes are present.
- Mild dementia. Individuals with mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s will typically begin to exhibit symptoms that interfere with some daily activities.
- Moderate dementia. Symptoms are more pronounced for someone with moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and interfere with many activities of daily living.
- Severe dementia. Those with severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease have symptoms that interfere with most activities of daily living.
Fortunately, while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, earlier diagnosis and intervention improve quality of life.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
Oxytocin and Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s treatment options are limited to medicines that may help manage behavioral and cognitive symptoms. A new study from the Tokyo University of Science (Japan) reports that:
"A cell-penetrating oxytocin derivative administered in the nasal passages of memory-impaired mice reversed the rodents’ cognitive impairment."
Although researchers studied mice (and not humans), the findings suggest that oxytocin could potentially reduce the cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain’s hypothalamus. The hormone is released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin’s main function is facilitating childbirth, which is why it’s known as the “love hormone.”
Oxytocin contributes to bonding behaviors and romantic attachment. The hormone plays an essential role in childbirth and nursing.
The Tokyo researchers sought to determine if oxytocin would influence the spatial memory of memory-impaired mice.
The researchers had the mice perform maze tests to evaluate spatial working and reference memory. The team also evaluated locomotor activity.
Then, one group of rodents used intracerebroventricular administration to get oxytocin to the brain tissue. Peptides such as oxytocin have poor blood-brain barrier permeability — they can’t easily enter brain tissue.
Recognizing this invasive approach would be impractical in the clinic, the scientists also used intranasal (through the nose) delivery to administer oxytocin to another group of mice.
Finally, the research team labeled the oxytocin derivative with fluorescein isothiocyanate so they could use imaging to see how the drug dispersed in the brain tissue. The results?
Mice who received the oxytocin derivative demonstrated memory improvements.
Oxytocin and Alzheimer’s disease — My Take
This research opens the door to a new avenue to explore Alzheimer’s disease management. The scientists nimbly got around the usual oxytocin brain delivery problem by using a modified version of the hormone. The team has demonstrated the effects of oxytocin on memory dysfunction. Bravo.
I look forward to seeing human studies. Thank you for joining me in this look at how oxytocin can improve cognitive function in memory-impaired mice. I look forward to seeing if this approach can work in humans with Alzheimer’s (and other forms of) dementia.
One more thing: If you want to increase your oxytocin levels naturally, consider exercising. One study showed oxytocin levels (measured in saliva) increased after high-intensity martial arts training.
Not into martial arts or other intensive physical activities? Music appears to increase oxytocin levels, especially if you add an element of bonding by singing in a group. Finally, the simple act of touch boosts oxytocin levels. Cuddling, making love, massaging, or hugging can lift your oxytocin levels and promote a better sense of well-being.
Do you want to know about the other three feel-good hormones? Here you go:
Thank you for joining me in exploring the relationship between love hormones (oxytocin) and dementia. One more thing:
https://newcancerinfo.com/2022/06/11/health-habits-and-dementia-risk/
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
