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The Brain-Heart Axis: Alzheimer's, Diabetes, and Hypertension

Andrew S Riching1,2, Jennifer L Major1,2, Pilar Londono3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.

ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science
|April 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be a form of Type III Diabetes (T3D). Treatments for Type II Diabetes (T2D), like metformin, show promise for improving cognitive function and preventing AD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options.
  • Current AD drug development targeting brain pathologies (plaques and tangles) has faced significant clinical trial failures.
  • Emerging research suggests a strong link between AD and Type II Diabetes (T2D), proposing AD as a brain-specific manifestation termed Type III Diabetes (T3D).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research and clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.
  • To explore the potential of Type II Diabetes (T2D) treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • To highlight the systemic nature of AD, involving the brain-heart axis and its regulation of hypertension and diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of past and ongoing research in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Analysis of studies investigating the link between Type II Diabetes (T2D) and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Examination of research on the brain-heart axis, hypertension, and diabetes in relation to cognitive function.

Main Results:

  • Type II Diabetes (T2D) medications, such as metformin, demonstrate potential in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in diabetic individuals.
  • The brain and cardiovascular system communicate via the vasculature, influencing fluid and nutrient balance.
  • The brain-heart axis plays a role in regulating hypertension and diabetes, both critical factors affecting cognitive health.

Conclusions:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly viewed as a complex, systemic disorder rather than solely a brain-centric condition.
  • Treatments targeting Type II Diabetes (T2D) show promise for managing Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms and progression.
  • Comprehensive therapeutic strategies addressing systemic factors, including the brain-heart axis, are crucial for effective Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention and treatment.

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