Performing activities that involve a novelty protects against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study done with laboratory mice published in the journal Neuron . Additionally, researchers have discovered the mechanism by which engaging in intellectually stimulating activities is so beneficial.
The scientists exposed the animals to small fragments of human amyloid protein, which accumulates in the brain and is responsible for the disease. The results revealed that when the mice performed new activities, beta-2-adrenergic receptors were activated, which reduce the damage of the amyloid protein. This effect was much greater than that achieved when the animals engaged in physical activities. In addition, when the researchers gave the mice drugs called beta-energy agonists, which are used to treat other conditions such as asthma, this protective effect was also achieved.
Previous studies have shown the benefits of mental activity to combat Alzheimer's. For example, other work published in the journal Neurology showed that speaking multiple languages delays the onset of symptoms of the disease. The new research has unraveled the mechanism by which this protective effect occurs, which will be very useful to develop new drugs that help fight neurodegenerative diseases.
