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A Hormone Produced When We Exercise Might Help Fight Alzheimer's

D-brief
By Megan Schmidt
Feb 12, 2019 9:32 PMDec 3, 2019 8:26 PM
Swimming - Shutterstock
Swimming and other forms of physical exercise may protect against Alzheimer's by promoting irisin hormone levels, according to a new study. (Credit: Ermolaev Alexander/Shutterstock)

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An exercise-induced hormone linked to a range of benefits might add another to its repertoire: protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

A new paper, published in Nature Medicine, explains that the hormone irisin, released by our bodies when we exert ourselves, seems to offer protection against the memory loss and brain damage associated with Alzheimer’s. In those with the disease, however, irisin levels are depleted. Boosting irisin levels through exercise, then, might be a way to stave off the disease.

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