Published on: March 20, 2012
by Newsroom America
An emerging body of research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to insulin resistance, constituting a third type of diabetes.
This model is based on several observations including an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for diabetic patients, and reduced insulin levels in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Though intriguing, the existing evidence does not reveal if defective insulin signaling is causative of Alzheimer’s or how insulin resistance impacts cognitive function.
Two back-to-back research articles in the Journal of Clinical Investigation – led by Konrad Talbot, Steve Arnold and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania and by Fernanda De Felice, Sergio Ferreria and colleagues at the University of Rio de Janeiro – address the connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease.
The University of Pennsylvania team examined insulin signaling in human brain tissue postmortem, and concluded that the activation state of many insulin signaling molecules were highly related to memory and cognitive function.
They further suggest that insulin resistance is a common and early feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
The De Felice group further observed impaired insulin signaling in Alzheimer’s brain tissue in rodent and non-human primate model systems as well as from tissue from human patients.
They went on to show in a mouse model system of Alzheimer’s disease that treatment with a new anti-diabetic drug normalized insulin signaling and remarkably improved cognitive function.
Cumulatively, these two new studies strongly support a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease and provide hope for new therapeutics in Alzheimer’s disease treatment, the researchers say.
Although it’s great to celebrate the big achievements, it’s also important to celebrate the small wins.
Women are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in much larger numbers than men. Approximately two-thirds of Canadians and Americans living with dementia are women. Why are women disproportionately affected? Partly, it...
Your brain is affected by what you eat! Join us Thurs. Jan. 21st for an engaging culinary virtual event. Featuring Special Guest MARK McEWAN Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur With...
The material presented through the Think Tank feature on this website is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. WBHI strongly advises all questioners and viewers using this feature with health problems to consult a qualified physician, especially before starting any treatment. The materials provided on this website cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. The materials are not exhaustive and cannot always respect all the most recent research in all areas of medicine.
