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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice
Published on: April 8, 2013
Effect of intranasal insulin on cognitive function: a systematic review
Elad Shemesh1, Assaf Rudich, Ilana Harman-Boehm
1Goldman Medical School, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84103, Israel.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Intranasal insulin may improve cognitive function, particularly in healthy individuals at 160 IU/d and in patients with cognitive impairment at 20 IU. Further research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between brain insulin signaling and cognitive function.
- Intranasal insulin administration is being explored as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze clinical trials on the cognitive effects of intranasal insulin.
- To assess the potential beneficial effects of intranasal insulin on cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English-language interventional studies.
- Inclusion criteria: assessment of cognitive functions before and after intranasal insulin treatment.
- Calculation of Cohen's effect size for cross-study comparison.
Main Results:
- Eight studies with 328 participants were analyzed; no significant side effects were reported.
- In healthy individuals, 160 IU/d of intranasal insulin showed potential cognitive benefits.
- In patients with cognitive impairment, 20 IU of intranasal insulin demonstrated potential benefits, especially with long-term administration.
Conclusions:
- Limited clinical data suggest intranasal insulin may have beneficial cognitive effects.
- Findings provide considerations for future research into intranasal insulin for cognitive enhancement.
