The senior researcher for the study, Suzanne M. de la Monte, notes
that “insulin disappears early and dramatically in Alzheimer’s
disease.” She also notes that “many of the unexplained features
of Alzheimer's, such as cell death and tangles in the brain, appear to
be linked to abnormalities in insulin signaling.” This, de la Monte
notes, demonstrates that the disease is most likely a neuro-endocrine
disorder, or another type of diabetes.
"
The study, which was outlined in the November 2005 issue of the Journal
of Alzheimer’s Disease, was accomplished by autopsying the brain tissue
of 45 patients diagnosed with different degrees of Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered that as the severity of Alzheimer's increased,
the levels of insulin receptors and the brain's ability to respond to
insulin decreased.
The article in HealthDay, written by Steven Reinberg, also notes that
the team from Brown found that low levels of acetylchlorine, found in
most Alzheimer’s patients, are linked to the loss of insulin.
How does this help doctors understand the link between the two?
Insulin impairment, notes the study, seems to be linked to poor
cognition, thus causing the confusion suffered by Alzheimer’s patients
throughout their battle with the disease.
Frighteningly, the study indicates that “diabetes, its predecessor
metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance are implicated in increasing
risk for Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Hugh Hendrie, professor of
psychiatry and co-director of the Center for Alzheimer's Disease and
Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders at Indiana University Center for
Aging Research in Indianapolis.
The good news is that, thanks to studies like these, doctors may find
better ways to treat this dreaded disease which claims the memories of
so many seniors throughout the world. For example, the use of
anti-diabetes drugs may someday be indicated in the treatment of
Alzheimer’s Disease.
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