Posts tagged "Alzheimer’s"

The various stages of the Alzheimer’s disease

Article by Harry

One must be aware of dementia – the brain disorders that lead to memory loss. The Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. Here, the patient suffers a great loss in intellectual ability, which slowly and gradually, affects routine activities. The progressive nature of the disorder prevents improvement in the health and status of the patient. To the contrary, with time, the patient’s condition becomes more severe. There are two things that one must be aware of: One, that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal sign of aging and two, that it is not the cause for all kinds of memory loss. As healthcare experts evidently state, it is known that with age there are issues with the power of recollection and comprehension but these are not directly and not always related to this medical condition.

The stages of the disorder are categorized into seven different parts through the life cycle of the patient.

First Stage of No cognitive impairment

This is the very early stage of the disorder. There are no visible signs of development of the condition. Most often, this stage goes unnoticed because it is very difficult to interpret behavioral changes. Unless the patient has other problems, even a medical examination would generally not show any difference in ognitiveabilities.

Second stage of Very mild decline

This is a peculiar stage where the individual himself feels the changes but others do not. Friends and family may not notice changes but the patient could begin to report memory lapses and the feeling of becoming forgetful.

Third stage of Mild cognitive decline

Very close relatively like the spouse of the patient, who know the patient very closely, might observe slight changes in memory and reaction to normal activities. Co-workers may find a change in the working pattern of the patient. Nevertheless, this stage may also go unnoticed.

Fourth stage of Moderate cognitive decline

Medical professional can find symptoms of the disease while examining the patients in this stage. The individuals in this stage begin to find it difficult to cope with surroundings. They are unable to perform tasks that required the use of metal ability like doing math, calculating finances, planning parties, etc.

Fifth stage of moderately severe cognitive decline

The Alzheimer’s disease patient loses a substantial amount of memory by this stage. He or she finds it difficult to remember important facts like one’s own home number, college name, etc and appear to be lost at times about where they are or what they are doing.

Sixth stage of severe cognitive decline

Recent events and awareness about happenings begins to decline. The patient begins to forget names of close relatives like spouse and children. They begin to have problems with simple activities like dressing up and need assistance and supervision. Biological inconsistencies are also reported.

Seventh stage of Very severe cognitive decline

Walking, speaking, eating, using the toilet and interacting in any manner become very difficult in this stage. The patient needs complete support, supervision and care. This is the last stage of the Alzheimer’s disease. By this time, the patient has lost the ability to correspond to the environment in any manner.

Alzheimer’s is in the Spotlight for the Month of October Nationwide, and in this report unveil the various stages of Alzheimer’s
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Pharmaceutical Corporations, Sugar and the Alzheimer’s Condition, Hunting For the Result in of Alzheimer’s

Article by Emanuel Aguilar

Most men and women assume that the most important signal is an inability to keep in mind details. On the other hand, this is only a single of the signs that a person is struggling from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can be characterized by a decline in the capability to don’t forget details, a loss of memory that may perhaps be intermittent or consistent, as well as declines in the ability to perform each day routines that ended up formerly finished with no problem.At times people today will show up to have vision issues as they glance at objects, but don’t appear to recognize them. It is important that vision is checked to be confident that this confusion is not related to cataracts, macular degeneration, or other vision issues typical to the elderly.

Potential to participate in conversations in a coherent way. In the beginning phases of the disorder, the particular person may well seem to be participating proficiently in conversations. Even so, caregivers must take note of no matter if or not the man or woman is truly ready to remedy specific issues or supply significant remarks on the subjects that are currently being discussed. Individuals with early stages of Alzheimer’s are normally conscious that they are getting troubles and are ready to keep conversations with rote phrases that make it seem that they have an understanding of what is becoming said (i.e. “That’s what I imagined.” ” Properly, you in no way know.” “I suppose so.” They normally look to monopolize conversations due to the fact this will allow them to management the subjects and remain away from things that they do not fully grasp. They show up extremely pleasant to outsiders for the reason that they are so “chatty”, but there is typically little substance to their conversation.Trouble in doing feeling of composed content (significantly less frequent). Commonly, the potential to read through is an individual of the previous things to deteriorate as Alzheimer’s will take around. Having said that, caregivers may perhaps note that the particular person is reading through material, but seems to misinterpret what is browse or are not able to keep in mind even the common information immediately after a limited period of time of time. They could not recall that they have go through an report before and may deal with aged authored data as anything “new”.Issues performing every day tasks – either commencing the jobs or finishing them. This can be projects as basic as brushing teeth or gaining dressed. The person may well have issue figuring out how to get started out or may possibly start out the task and then appear to “get misplaced.” Frequently this is aggravating to caregivers for the reason that the person’s capacity to finish duties may change from an individual day to the subsequent. Sometimes jobs will be completed, but will not be completed the right way (forgot to place on underwear, forgot to brush the again of their head,etc.)Difficulty carrying out jobs that involve crucial contemplating and/or judgment – specifically people associated to safety. The man or woman may perhaps get started to show poor safety awareness – leaving doors open, water jogging, burners on. This becomes a distinct problem when the human being lives alone and does not have somebody else to verify on them.

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Signs And Warnings Of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Article by Joe Gardener

Many people are curious about what the signs of Alzheimer’s Disease are. Well there are many different signs, and it is a wise idea to learn what they are.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that is often devastating for older people. If someone has any of the warning signs, then they should immediately seek attention from a qualified medical professional. It does mean that they should get attention to determine if they have the disease.

If they do, early treatment can make all of the difference in the world. If they don’t, then they can eliminate it from the list of issues and not have the stress of wondering.

The signs include:Forgetting how to do life activities- When a person shows that they don’t know how to cook, or play cards, or repairs around the house, this can be one of the warning signs. It indicates a disconnection possibly in their brain, and will be one of the main issues that some people will exhibit that may be in early states of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Losing ability to make decisions or pay bills- This is often one of the things that people that come down with Alzheimer’s disease deal with. They will reveal this to other people without meaning to, and it is one of the signs that their brain might not be functioning 100 percent or could be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Relating a past event or story word for word over and over- Repeating yourself is one of the better known signs of Alzheimer’s Disease that many people do not realize they are doing. But it is a clear sign to others that they should be evaluated. Many people can receive early Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment and stop the effects before they become too advanced.

Getting Lost in Familiar Surroundings- This is a sign that often is noticed by friends and family, when people who have lived all their lives in an area or region suddenly cannot find their way home, or get lost trying to find popular and familiar landmarks. Another part of this is misplacing household objects on a repeated basis.

This does not mean if you cant find the TV controller that you have developed Alzheimer’s Disease. But if you have a family member that repeatedly and consistently lose the same things over and over then it’s a good idea to schedule a screening for Alzheimer’s.

Asking Same Question- This is one many in the public are aware of. It is a clear sign of mental confusion, and is a good warning indicator that medical attention is needed.

Refusing to Bathe, or insisting they have already- Confusion about simple things is one main indicator of possible Alzheimer’s Disease, or Dementia.

A slideshow about the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease for an understanding of what to expect when living with a loved one that has been diagnosed.
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Pharmaceutical Firms, Sugar and the Alzheimer’s Sickness, Browsing For the Induce of Alzheimer’s

Article by Emanuel Aguilar

Most folks feel that the key sign is an inability to remember data. Even so, this is only 1 of the indicators that another person is struggling from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can be characterized by a decline in the skill to keep in mind info, a loss of memory that might be intermittent or constant, as perfectly as declines in the ability to carry out every day activities that were formerly completed with out difficulty.For an individual to be classified as possessing Alzheimer’s, they have to be going through memory loss and issues with at least one of the subsequent jobs:

Identifying familiar objects in the atmosphere – either being ready to come across them or identify them. Often persons will seem to have vision challenges as they appear at objects, but don’t look to acknowledge them. It is essential that vision is checked to be sure that this confusion is not connected to cataracts, macular degeneration, or other vision difficulties popular to the elderly.Potential to take part in conversations in a coherent way. In the starting stages of the condition, the individual may well look to be taking part successfully in conversations. Having said that, caregivers need to get be aware of regardless of whether or not the human being is essentially capable to solution particular concerns or provide meaningful comments on the matters that are being talked about. Individuals with early phases of Alzheimer’s are frequently conscious that they are acquiring issues and are ready to preserve conversations with rote phrases that make it show up that they recognize what is getting stated (i.e. “That’s what I assumed.” ” Properly, you by no means know.” “I suppose so.” They usually seem to be to monopolize conversations since this enables them to control the matters and remain absent from things that they do not comprehend. They show up very friendly to outsiders because they are so “chatty”, but there is typically tiny substance to their conversation.Problems in generating feeling of composed substance (much less popular). For an individual to be classified as having Alzheimer’s, they have to be experiencing memory loss and trouble with at least an individual of the following tasks: Identifying acquainted objects in the environment – both currently being capable to locate them or title them. Often persons will show up to have vision problems as they glance at objects, but don’t appear to identify them. It is critical that vision is checked to be certain that this confusion is not relevant to cataracts, macular degeneration, or other vision challenges typical to the elderly.Power to take part in conversations in a coherent manner. In the beginning phases of the disease, the particular person could seem to be participating efficiently in conversations. However, caregivers need to take be aware of no matter if or not the individual is basically able to remedy particular problems or supply meaningful feedback on the subjects that are becoming talked about. Persons with early stages of Alzheimer’s are frequently conscious that they are obtaining challenges and are capable to sustain conversations with rote phrases that make it seem that they understand what is becoming explained (i.e. “That’s what I imagined.” ” Effectively, you never know.” “I suppose so.” They often seem to monopolize conversations because this allows them to command the matters and stay away from elements that they do not have an understanding of.

How to help for Alzheimer’s Disease ?

Article by Yaly

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are a number of treatment options available to improve quality of life, slow down the progression of the disease, relieve Alzheimer’s symptoms, and help in

preventing Alzheimer’s.

Most symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be treated successfully using a combination of the available treatment methods.

Often people are not aware that treatment options other than traditional drug therapy are available. Alternative treatments, including natural remedies, can offer a safe and effective treatment approach.

These alternative treatments are free of chemicals, propose a much lower risk of side effects, and can be safely incorporated into the broader treatment plan.

Two types of medications have been shown to slow the cognitive decline related with Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s in people with declining cognitive capacity.

These drugs don’t work for about half of those who take them, and the side effects can be severe, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Memantine (Namenda) was developed to help protect the brain cells against damage caused by Alzheimer’s, although this drug’s use is often discontinued due to side effects such as delusions, agitation, and dizziness. Other medications that may be prescribed include those used to treat anxiety and depression.

It is strongly advised that you thoroughly research any prescription medication and its side effects before agreeing to drug therapy.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are a number of treatment options available to improve quality of life, slow down the progression of the disease, relieve Alzheimer’s symptoms, and help in

preventing Alzheimer’s.

Most symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be treated successfully using a combination of the available treatment methods.

Often people are not aware that treatment options other than traditional drug therapy are available. Alternative treatments, including natural remedies, can offer a safe and effective treatment approach.

These alternative treatments are free of chemicals, propose a much lower risk of side effects, and can be safely incorporated into the broader treatment plan.

Two types of medications have been shown to slow the cognitive decline related with Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s in people with declining cognitive capacity.

These drugs don’t work for about half of those who take them, and the side effects can be severe, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Memantine (Namenda) was developed to help protect the brain cells against damage caused by Alzheimer’s, although this drug’s use is often discontinued due to side effects such as delusions, agitation, and dizziness. Other medications that may be prescribed include those used to treat anxiety and depression.

It is strongly advised that you thoroughly research any prescription medication and its side effects before agreeing to drug therapy.

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Galantamine Hbr cures symptom alzheimers or vascular dementias symptoms

Article by Bhupinder Kaur Khera

Galantamine Hbr cures mild to moderate symptom alzheimers or vascular dementias symptoms. Galantamine is produced from natural resources and a patented total synthesis process. It is an anti-alzheimer’s agent that comes under the class cholinesterase inhibitor. It is also an allosteric ligand at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It works by reducing the action of AChE and therefore tends to increase the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain. This process helps to cure symptoms of mild to moderate dementia in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Dementias symptoms include memory losses, impaired abstraction and planning, language and comprehension disturbances, poor judgment, impaired orientation ability, decreased attention and increased restlessness and behavioral changes and psychosis. Dementia is caused by gradual death of cells in the brain. It is sometimes accompanied by emotional disturbance and personality changes. The loss of mental ability interferes with normal day to day activities that last for more than six months. However, it is not present since birth and is not associated with a loss or alteration of consciousness.

Alzheimer’s disease or AD is the most common cause of dementia, followed by vascular dementias. AD is incurable and often proves fatal. However, there are several drugs that may slow its progression. Symptom alzheimers accounts for one-half to three-fourths of all cases for dementia. Vascular dementias are estimated to cause from 5% to 30% of all dementias. It usually progresses with stroke, infection and heart disease that can lead to death. It occurs from decrease in blood flow to the brain, most commonly due to a series of small strokes called multi-infarct dementia. Because of the usually sudden nature of its cause, the symptoms of vascular dementia tend to begin more abruptly than those of Alzheimer’s dementia. Its symptoms may progress stepwise with the occurrence of new strokes.

Care for a person with dementia can be difficult and complex. In progressive dementias such as AD, the person may ultimately become completely dependent. Family members or others caring for a person with dementia often are subject to extreme stress. Since dementia usually progresses slowly, its diagnosing can be difficult in early stages. But, early diagnosis is important as the treatments can cure the early stages.

Diagnosis includes thorough physical examination and complete medical history. A variety of medical tests may require to determining the cause of dementia. The FDA has approved five prescription drugs for the treatment of AD symptoms. Four of these are used to treat mild to moderate AD. They are galantamine (Razadyne formerly known as Reminyl), rivastigmine (Exelon), donepezil (Aricept), and tacrine (Cognex).

Galantamines are available in the market under brand names Razadyne and Reminyl in the forms of tablets, capsules and oral solution. Galantamine hydrobromide under the name Reminyl was approved on February 2001 for use in mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. And under the name Razadyne, it was approved on August 28, 2008.

Galantamine has been used for decades in Eastern Europe and the USSR for various indications such as treatment of myasthenia, myopathy, and sensory and motor dysfunction associated with disorders of the central nervous system. Its uses have included symptomatic treatment of Polio (Poliomyelitis) and it was later deployed by Janssen Pharmaceutica as an anti-Alzheimer’s medication. In the US it has been sold as a dietary supplement for memory and dream support.

What Would be the Best Maine Alzheimer’s Care Places

Article by Kopec Sugg

Alzheimer’s or Alzheimer’s illness can be a debilitating problem which not simply affects the elderly individual but in addition his/her family members at the same time. Given that this illness involves mental problems and dementia, not many people, which includes family members, are capable to provide the most effective care for sufferers acquiring this disease. Alzheimer’s also worsens through time and so patients need to be taken cared of according to what they need to have at any provided time. For residents with the US northeast for example, there are different care facilities for Alzheimer’s patients. Within the state of Maine as an example, Maine Alzheimer’s care facilities could be found across the state. A lot of of these amenities supply the basic solutions expected of an Alzheimer’s care facility, but a lot of facilities also supply extra services and management care options for Alzheimer’s individuals.

And when talking about Maine Alzheimer’s care amenities, you will find in fact different alternatives dependant upon the preferences of family members. To begin picking in the very best of Maine Alzheimer’s care facilities, one could search at the area. A lot of members of the family would would like to have their mother and father and/or grandparents who’ve Alzheimer’s to become close by or no less than to be not too far away to go to. That is especially applicable to close-knit families and families which have get-together traditions on weekends and/or particular occasions. If a single family member who has Alzheimer’s is admitted to a facility at a very remote area, it might be tough for the patient and members of the family to cope with this main family members concern.

But you can find also individuals who favor remote locations and other amenities for their very own Alzheimer’s patients. One particular may possibly be a resident of Maine or New Jersey as an example, but he/she may opt to possess his/her grandparent admitted to a single of numerous Rhode Island Alzheimer’s care amenities. As using the amenities in Maine, Rhode Island Alzheimer’s care facilities may possibly also be capable of give the fundamental solutions need for individuals with Alzheimer’s. This holds correct for the other states that also have a variety of patient care amenities, including those that particularly take care of Alzheimer’s care.

But aside from place, members of the family also take into account the services offered by a specific Alzheimer’s care facility. Though Alzheimer’s individuals have related methods, management and care is created for each and every person and members of the family can select which facility and which service is greatest for their loved a single who has Alzheimer’s illness.

Members of the family might also try and verify out if a particular Alzheimer’s care facility involves a homey ambience or a lot more of a clinical or hospital setup. Many people choose amenities that supply residential care with parks close by. Other folks meanwhile, favor normal setups similar to hospitals as well as other healthcare amenities. Alzheimer’s care facilities might also offer you a number of recreational possibilities for admitted patients and they are also regarded by most members of the family when deciding which facility to decide on for their parent or grandparent who has this debilitating illness.

Total, members of the family usually decide on what they consider as the best care facility for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Be it in Maine, Rhode Island, or other states, probably the most crucial issue is that the best care is offered for loved ones.

What Are the Possibilities to Cure Alzheimers Disease?

Article by Dick Harkes

Medical TreatmentAt this moment there is no cure for Alzheimers Disease available in mainstream health. Neither for the prevention of the Disease nor for an effective treatment of the disease itself.There are only some drug and non-drug treatments that provide temporarily relief for both behavioral and cognitive symptoms.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterase Inhibitors help preserve the ability of sick nerve endings to transmit the nerve messages to the next cell in the chain.Names:

Aricept(TM) (Donepezil),Exelon(TM) (Rivastigmine) andReminyl(TM) (Galantamine).

Neurotransmitter Acetylcholine

For Alzheimer’s disease the most important neurotransmitter is acetylcholine (a tiny blip of a chemical, which diffuses very rapidly across the junction of a nerve cell to stimulate the next cell), that is used by the nerve cells in the parts of the brain for thinking and memory-making.

It is essential that the acetylcholine is eliminated immediately after it has carried the message across the junction. If not, it would keep on stimulating the downstream cell. This could be disastrous and possibly even lead to attacks.

Disturbance In The Degradation Process

Normally the acetylcholine is destroyed immediately after it has delivered the message by the enzyme called cholinesterase.In Alzheimer’s the nerve cell endings get sicker and sicker and the amount of acetylcholine, which is produced by each nerve impulse is less and less as the disease progresses.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: What They Do

Cholinesterase inhibitors, that are used as an Alzheimers cure, restrain the destroying of acetylcholine by cholinesterase, resulting in levels of acetylcholine high enough to get the message across to the next cell.

And it is successful!

Temporarily Solution

Alas this is not for ever working. Over time the sick nerve endings begin to degenerate and withdraw from the junctions. Messages can no longer be transferred.It takes usually two to three years before this situation is reached (occasionally it lasts much longer). This explains why cholinesterase inhibitors usually work temporarily.

Research On Treating The Disease

Scientists continue to search for treatments to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and to hold the disease off as long as possible. Exploring the internet gave us a couple of examples:

An article in Nature Genetics mentions the identification of 5 more genes behind Alzheimer’s disease by a consortium of researchers, including a team from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

This information helps researchers to understand the events that lead to the damage of large parts of the brain and eventually the complete loss of cognitive abilities.

According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism insulin could have a powerful, new role to play in fighting the Disease.

It describes new clinical research by University at Buffalo Endocrinologists which found that a low dose of insulin has been found to suppress the expression in the blood of four precursor proteins involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Roskamp Institute: By the end of the decade novel cures with the ability to slow the rate of Alzheimer’s progression are expected to be launched.Another article tells about Stick-On Neck Patches as a Radical Treatment.Skin patches stuck to the neck which increase blood supply to the brain can well be a major novel therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Matchbox-sized electronics gadget send out infrared light for relaxing & widening carotid arteries that transport the blood up to the brain. Hence, as a result there is a raising in blood circulation. Earlier studies have found that improved blood supply could slacken the Disease’s advancement.

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More Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers discovered

Article by Alan Trotter

Potential diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, in the form of specific serum auto-antibodies, have been discovered by researchers in America. According to a study published by the Public Library of Science (PLoS) this month, experts from a number of organisations in New Jersey have come up with 10 autoantibody biomarkers that can effectively differentiate Alzheimer’s disease sera from NDC sera with a sensitivity of 96.0 -per cent and a specificity of 92.5 per cent.

The results of the research carried out in America show that “serum auto-antibodies can be used effectively as highly-specific and accurate biomarkers to diagnose AD throughout the course of the disease”, according to the research team.

Work to find accurate biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease has been ongoing in laboratories around the world for many years. Research specialists have dedicated their careers to finding ways of detecting the condition at the earliest possible stage in an attempt to help increase the quality of life for sufferers and perhaps one day find a cure that will stop Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks once it has been identified. Currently, it is believed that the disease often goes undetected for a period of between five and ten years before current detection methods can be used effectively. It goes without saying that the earlier the disease can be detected, the better for the patient.

In the United Kingdom, dementia leads to the deaths of around 60,000 people every single year and it’s estimated that about three quarters of a million people in Britain have contracted the disease. National charity, The Alzheimer’s Society, believes that by 2025, there could be in excess of one million sufferers in the UK.

The cost of Alzheimer’s disease on society is considerable and there are many areas where the illness has an impact. Not only is the actual sufferer affected, but also the people who provide care and the family members of that person. According to the researchers in New Jersey, the development of a reliable and accurate blood test for Alzheimer’s disease would have a huge impact on society. A reliable blood test would not only be relatively non-invasive, but would also be low-cost, and therefore clearly a viable option for doctors around the world. Of course the main benefit of such a test being introduced onto the market would be the fact that patients would receive warning as early as possible and therefore would be in a much better position to benefit from the available therapies.

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Insulin Nasal Spray Tested as an Alzheimer’s Treatment

Article by Alex Ray

A team of Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) researchers were intrigued by studies that suggested that low levels of insulin in the brain could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers, led by Dr. Suzanne Craft, decided to test the benefits of restoring normal insulin levels in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Insulin is an important hormone which plays a major role in turning blood sugar into energy for cells. A lack of insulin, or an inability to properly use it, results in diabetes. Diabetes is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, although the connection is not yet clear.

Alzheimer’s is a disease in which cognitive functioning declines over time, causing progressive memory loss, loss of motor and language skills, impaired reasoning, emotional instability, and eventually full-blown dementia. The disease is associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain called plaques.

The VA team used an insulin nasal spray that could deliver insulin rapidly and directly to the brain without increasing insulin levels elsewhere in the body. They recruited 104 adults with mild amnestic cognitive impairment or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They divided the participants into three groups, with one group receiving 20 international units (IU) of insulin, one receiving 40 IU, and the third receiving an inactive saline placebo. The insulin dose or placebo was delivered daily through a nasal spray for four months.

Memory, cognition and functioning ability tests were conducted on the participants both before and after the four month period. The patients in the treated groups showed an increase in brain glucose metabolism following insulin therapy. Both insulin doses improved the patients’ general cognition and functioning about 20%, and the 20 IU insulin dose also improved memory. The group receiving the placebo showed a slight decline in cognitive abilities. The treatment did not result in any major side effects, although some participants did report a mild headache or a runny nose.

Insulin appears to protect the brain against the toxic effects of beta-amyloid, the protein behind the brain plaques present in Alzheimer’s. It also prevents the formation of a toxic form of the protein tau, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s found in the cerebrospinal fluid. Insulin also promotes cell repair and growth, which may also help combat degenerative brain disease.

VA Chief Research and Development Officer Dr. Joel Kupersmith says, “VA researchers are exploring a number of possible approaches to help prevent of effectively treat this devastating disease, and these are among the most promising results to date.” The research is even more important and encouraging because there is currently no effective treatment to delay or treat Alzheimer’s disease.

There are a great many unanswered questions about the connection between insulin and Alzheimer’s, and it’s still premature to consider insulin a new treatment. Researchers still don’t know much of the daily insulin injections required by many diabetics gets into the brain, and what effects it may have in the brain of the average diabetic.

Researchers are calling for further studies to explore the use of insulin to treat Alzheimer’s, and to hopefully establish an optimal insulin dosage and dosing schedule. Any treatment which could improve the lives of the estimated 5.4 million Americans that suffer from Alzheimer’s and their caregivers can not come soon enough.

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