موقع وجه أفريقيا موقع وجه أفريقيا هو موقع مهتم بمتابعة التطورات في القارة الأفريقية
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Muhamad Yehia
Scientists have discovered that a simple nasal spray containing oxytocin, commonly known as the “love hormone,” may help treat apathy that often affects patients with a type of early-onset dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common form of early-onset dementia affecting people between the ages of 40 and 65. It affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, leading to problems with language, behavior, and decision-making.
Apathy, a frequent symptom, causes patients to lose interest in hobbies and distance themselves from loved ones
Until now, there have been no proven treatments for prevalent symptoms of FTD, including apathy.
“Apathy is one of the core symptoms of FTD, and often the first to develop,” co-lead study author Dr. Elizabeth Finger, a scientist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Lawson Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, said in a press statement.
Trial Findings
The randomized, controlled, phase 2 trial—the largest of its kind for FTD, according to researchers—found that oxytocin treatment led to mild improvements in apathy symptoms, potentially enhancing patients’ engagement with daily activities and relationships.
The study was conducted across 11 sites in Canada and the United States from 2018 to 2023 and involved 74 patients. Participants in the treatment group received two daily doses of oxytocin spray every third day for six weeks.
Researchers evaluated apathy levels using a questionnaire assessing 12 neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results showed improvement in apathy symptoms among those receiving oxytocin compared to those given a placebo, though the improvement was described as mild
Care partners observed patients taking actions they previously might have neglected, such as calling family members or making coffee. “Even small things like this make a huge difference,” said co-lead study author Kristy Coleman, research operations lead at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, in the press release. “If you’re in a marriage with somebody who maybe doesn’t display interest in you or your well-being, to have those little glimmers is significant.”
The results were recently published in The Lancet Neurology.
The ‘Love Hormone’
Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is crucial in social bonding, emotional regulation, and motivation, Dr. Michael Genovese, chief medical officer of behavioral health at Access TeleCare, who was not involved in the study, told The Epoch Times.
The hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and released into various brain areas, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, where it is essential for processing emotions and forming social connections.
“In frontotemporal dementia, one of the most common and challenging symptoms is apathy, which makes patients disengaged from activities, loved ones, and even their self-care,” he noted
However, Genovese cautioned that research is still in the early stages, and more studies are needed to confirm how effective and long-lasting these effects might be.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While oxytocin is naturally produced in the body, using it as a medical treatment is not without risks, Genovese said. Side effects like nausea, headaches, or mild allergic reactions are possible. Oxytocin may also intensify negative emotions in some people.
How FTD patients will respond to oxytocin treatment is a concern.
“Since FTD affects the brain in complex ways, not all patients may react the same way,” he noted, adding that limited research exists on the long-term effects of oxytocin use in neurodegenerative diseases, meaning its safety profile is still being studied
“Because of these uncertainties, patients should only use oxytocin under strict medical supervision to monitor any potential adverse effects,” Genovese said.
Other Sources of Support
When researchers spoke with care partners involved in this research, some remarked that they noticed changes in behaviors following the trial, such as the patient calling family members when they had not previously thought to or proactively making coffee for their spouse.
In FTD treatment, a “care partner” is a spouse, family member, or close friend who actively participates in the care and support of a person diagnosed with FTD. They take on responsibilities like managing daily activities, providing emotional support, and communicating with doctors on their behalf.
Patients with dementia often struggle to engage in social activities, follow routines, or seek help when needed.
“This is where family members, caregivers, and support networks become essential in maintaining the patient’s quality of life,” Genovese said.
“Suppose oxytocin proves to be an effective treatment,” he said. “In that case, care partners may play an important role in reinforcing its benefits—helping the patient integrate social interactions into their routine and ensuring they remain engaged.”
Since FTD is a progressive condition, treatment needs to go beyond just medications, Genovese said.
A combination of structured medical care, behavioral strategies, and strong caregiver involvement is “key” to helping patients manage their symptoms and maintain the best quality of life possible, he said.
“FTD care is not just about the patient but also about the support system around them,” he concluded. “Care partners provide the continuity, encouragement, and structure that make managing this challenging disease more effective.
Both Coleman and Finger acknowledged the need for further research in FTD treatment.
They noted that this research culminates from 15 years of work aimed at finding effective interventions for FTD patients and their caregivers. Finger highlighted the significance of the study: “This is an exciting step forward in having specific treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms of FTD.”
