Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
A study from Brown University Medical School showed
that Alzheimer’s disease may be another form of diabetes, and
all the recommendations for avoiding diabetes may also protect
your memory. Like the pancreas, the brain produces insulin. Professor Suzanne
M. de la Monte showed that brain levels of insulin and insulin
receptors fall during the early stages of Alzheimer's and continue
to drop progressively as the disease progresses. Other features
of Alzheimer's, such as cell death and tangles in the brain, could
be caused by abnormalities in insulin functions.
Furthermore, lack of insulin lowers brain levels of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is seen regularly in
Alzheimer's disease. This would explain why every factor known
to increase risk for heart attacks also increases risk for
Alzheimer’s disease. Even though these studies are preliminary,
it is a good idea to reduce susceptibility to developing diabetes
by markedly reducing your intake of sugar and flour; increasing
your intake of fruits, vegetable, whole grains, beans, and nuts;
avoiding weight gain and exercising regularly. Read my report on Who is pre-diabetic.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, November 2005
Checked 9/2/07