Tests also took place on tissue samples taken from human and rat brains.
These tests showed FSH bound to receptors in these samples, resulting in the development of tau and amyloid beta proteins, two key components in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Dr Mone Zaidi, leader of the study, said: “We are excited and cautiously optimistic that the molecule FSH may play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease, bone loss, and obesity simultaneously.”
As a result of these findings, the team has developed an antibody that could block FSH in people; testing is currently underway on animal models.