Alzheimer's: Dr Chris discusses the early signs of condition
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The rate at which caseloads of Alzheimer’s are climbing has fanned worldwide concerns over the disease’s economic burden in coming years. Fortunately, there are multiple tools at our disposal able to lower the risk. Research shows that insulin resistance can be seen in as many as 80 percent of patients who present with signs of decline. The findings suggest that effective management of the condition could ward off brain decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the gradual loss of synaptic connections in the brain, which leads to the deterioration of cognitive functions.
According to Psychology Today, a staggering 80 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have insulin resistance or full-blown type 2 diabetes.
But the multifactorial role of insulin in the brain is poorly understood. Research suggests the connection is down to the brain’s ability to process sugar, charlies family pharmacy which is known as glucose hypometabolism.
Hypometabolism means the brain does not have sufficient insulin to burn blood sugar at full capacity, which slows the metabolism.
READ MORE: Dementia: The 54p ingredient that increases Alzheimer’s risk – tonnes are consumed in UK
The eventual outcome of this is chronic brain inflammation, which can damage the brain’s neurons.
This inflammatory effect is known to prime the brain to cognitive impairments.
In fact, insulin resistance is one of the early markers of Alzheimer’s disease, with researchers noting that patients show signs of glucose hypometabolism decades before the onset of symptoms.
Several studies have also shown that insulin signalling is impaired in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Researchers have leaned on such findings when suggesting that approaches to restore insulin function could offer therapeutic benefits to adults with Alzheimer’s.
“The increased occurrence of insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s disease and the numerous mechanisms through which insulin may affect clinical-pathological aspects of the diseases suggest that improving insulin effectiveness may have therapeutic benefits for patients with Alzheimer’s disease,” wrote the authors of a review published in the journal CNS Drugs.
“We propose that treatment of insulin resistance may reduce the risk or retard the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”
How to avoid insulin resistance
Rates of diabetes are proving increasingly difficult to manage, with cases growing exponentially year on year.
Part of the recent surge in rates has been put down to growing obesity caseloads, which causes increased levels of fatty acids and inflammation, two leading factors of insulin resistance.
It has become increasingly apparent taking action to improve diet could substantially curtail the severity and rate of cognitive decline.
“You cannot prevent or avoid risk factors such as race, age, and a family medical history,” explains Family Doctor.
“You can take steps to reduce your insulin resistance by losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.”
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce or respond to insulin effectively, resulting in consistently high blood sugar levels.
The first resort for managing the condition is diet, with foods that score highly on the glycemic index best avoided altogether.
Swapping out white brain for whole-grain bread, limiting intake of sugary foods and drinking water instead of soda are all key steps.
Further evidence suggests steps can be taken to reduce insulin resistance by losing weight and exercising regularly.
Source: Read Full Article