Insulin may effectively treat Alzheimer's

Insulin may provide effective treatment for Alzheimer's. A study published in the journal, Archives of Neurology, suggests that insulin, administered via the nose, may be helpful for patients suffering with dementia.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The study was small, only 104 people were observed and researchers say they need to conduct larger clinical trials to determine if insulin will be an effective treatment. Regardless, the study brings new hope for victims of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. 

Insulin has been recently studied for its affect on cells and brain functions. The ability of insulin to repair cells and contribute to a process called, "cell genesis," gives researchers hope that it may be effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease. More clearly, insulin appears to inhibit the effect of the proteins that contribute to plaques and  cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

In other words, insulin can reduce and possibly reverse the progress of the disease, at least in its early stages. The study evaluated patients who had early Alzheimer's or early stages of other forms of dementia.

Researchers report that patients who used insulin, taken through the nose, had improved memory and function. They were able to remember information for a longer period than those who were given a placebo. The report states that performance improved by 20 percent.

Researchers reported that patients getting insulin also had better daily function, although because the study evaluated patients with early stage dementia, they still had relatively normal daily functioning. Researchers say they will have to evaluate patients with moderate to advanced dementia to determine how much insulin can actually improve daily function, if at all. 

Researchers say the insulin treatments had virtually no side effects and would make for a safe, easy to administer treatment. 

For now, researchers hope to build upon the promises of the study and engage in larger clinical trials. 

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'