Insulin resistance increases risk of Alzheimer’s – new study

The study of 135 people from Hisayma in Fukuoka found that protein that clumps in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease was present in higher amounts in people who were insulin resistant. These clumps called plaques develop many years before the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear and only 16% of the people in this study had developed dementia symptoms at the time of death.

Plaques were found in 72 percent of people with insulin resistance and 62 percent of people with no indication of insulin resistance. However, the study did not find a link between diabetes and tangles in the brain. Research has previously linked diabetes with the risk of dementia but this study is interesting as the results include insulin resistance and have been adjusted to take other risk factors into account.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'An unhealthy diet or piling on the pounds can increase the risk of becoming insulin resistant. This can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes type II but now this new study suggests that it could also increase your risk of Alzheimer's.  The study is interesting because of the unique level of information it gives. It will hopefully enhance our understanding of Alzheimer's and could help inform work on new treatments.'

'The big message from this study is that Alzheimer's changes can begin many years before symptoms appear so the time to reduce your risk of dementia is now. The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is eating a balanced diet, keep a healthy weight and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

- Ends -

Research reference: T. Matsuzaki, MD et al. Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Plaques Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Published in August 25, 2010, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Notes to editors:

• 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