Insulin may help treat Alzheimer's disease study claims

The study, which involved 109 people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease, found that people treated with intranasal insulin showed improvements in some symptoms such as memory, although other symptoms were unchanged. The researchers also saw a reduction in the amount of key Alzheimer's proteins when they tested the spinal fluid of a small subset of participants.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'There are 465,000 people living with Alzheimer's in the UK yet we still have very few proven ways of lessening the effects of the disease. This latest research suggests insulin may improve certain symptoms such as memory.'

'However, this is a very small preliminary study and we must be careful not to get carried away or expect to see an insulin-based treatment available anytime soon. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. Much more research is needed to back up this latest study and to move us closer to establishing the causes and finding a cure for this devastating condition.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Study reference: 'Intranasal insulin and bio-marker-associated improvement in memory and functional status in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial' by Suzanne Craft et al.

Notes to editors:

• For spokespeople,case studies and copies of the study abstracts contact the Alzheimer's Society press office on 0207 423 3595.
• ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk