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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

Diabetes can double Alzheimer's risk
WebMD

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New York Times

 

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