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Insulin May Help Treat Alzheimer's

Researchers liken degenerative disease to brain diabetes

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 3, 2009 3:26 PM CST

(Newser) – Alzheimer’s disease “is a type of brain diabetes”—meaning that insulin treatments could help fight it, scientists say. Researchers found that brain cells treated with insulin plus a drug to speed its effects were much less affected by the disease, the BBC reports. “Our results demonstrate that bolstering insulin signaling can protect neurons from harm,” said a researcher at Northwestern University.

Insulin, used for diabetes treatment, could also help fight Alzheimer's.
Insulin, used for diabetes treatment, could also help fight Alzheimer's.   (Shutterstock)
Alzheimer's is brain diabetes, says a scientist.
Alzheimer's is "brain diabetes," says a scientist.   (Shutterstock)
Diabetes and Alzheimer's may be linked.
Diabetes and Alzheimer's may be linked.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mr.C
Feb 4, 2009 6:01 AM CST
I love the simplicity of that first sentence.

Abstract of the journal article
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

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