Sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease now have a new hope linked to overeating horomone.

Scientists have found that chances of developing the disease is dramatically reduced due to high levels of leptin, produced naturally by the body’s fat cells.

According to the findings published in Jama, the Journal of the American Medical Association, leptin is believed to control appetite.

The team after concluding results believes that, a leptin-based drug could one day help keeping the disease at bay. Leptin also benefits brain function and memory apart from keeping the appetite in check. It’s important in weight control as it sends a feeling full signal to the brain that helps avoid overeating.

Based on a study of over 12 years it was found that people with the highest leptin levels were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with the lowest levels of leptin.

Study leader Dr Sudha Seshadri however warned people of not administering leptin themselves. “The findings don’t mean people should run out and get their leptin levels checked or start taking leptin,” she said.

Facts narrate that about 5.3 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and 11 to 16 million Americans would possibly be affected by 2050.

Dr Wolfgang Lieb, from Boston University, who led the latest study, said, "These findings can be trusted as recent experimental data indicate that leptin improves memory function in animals.”

“The new research is interesting, but further study is needed,” says Jed Levine, executive vice president and director of programs and services at the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.