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How Can Insulin Resistance Cause Alzheimer's Disease?
Ji Hye Yoon1, JooHyun Hwang1, Sung Un Son2
1Age-Tech Service Convergence Major, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive decline. Despite worldwide efforts to find a cure, no proper treatment has been developed yet, and the only effective countermeasure is to prevent the disease progression by early diagnosis. The reason why new drug candidates fail to show therapeutic effects in clinical studies may be due to misunderstanding the cause of AD. Regarding the cause of AD, the most widely known is the amyloid cascade hypothesis, in which the deposition of amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated tau is the cause. However, many new hypotheses were suggested. Among them, based on preclinical and clinical evidence supporting a connection between AD and diabetes, insulin resistance has been pointed out as an important factor in the development of AD. Therefore, by reviewing the pathophysiological background of brain metabolic insufficiency and insulin insufficiency leading to AD pathology, we will discuss how can insulin resistance cause AD.
Insights
Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be caused by insulin resistance, not just amyloid beta. Understanding this link is key for early diagnosis and preventing disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic disorders
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of cognitive decline with no cure.
- Current treatments focus on slowing progression via early diagnosis.
- The amyloid cascade hypothesis is widely accepted but may not fully explain AD's cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore how insulin resistance contributes to AD pathology.
- To discuss brain metabolic and insulin insufficiency in AD development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Discussion of insulin resistance as a factor in AD.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a connection between diabetes and AD.
- Insulin resistance is implicated in AD development.
- Brain metabolic and insulin insufficiency contribute to AD pathology.
Conclusions:
- Insulin resistance is a significant factor in Alzheimer's disease development.
- Rethinking AD's cause beyond the amyloid cascade is crucial.
- Further research into insulin resistance may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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