In depth article. Why Alzheimer's is called `type 3 diabetes'

[snagglepuss]

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Not long ago, it was thought that there was no connection between insulin and the brain, that the brain was insulin-insensitive," said William Klein, a professor of neurobiology and physiology at Northwestern University in Illinois.

"But we now know that's not the case. What's surprising everyone is that it has a specialized function, tied to learning and memory."

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Studies have shown that diabetics have a 30 to 65 per cent higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

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Either the brain isn't producing enough insulin, which is crucial for memory formation, like Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, or the brain has become insulin-resistant, like Type 2 diabetes.

"In Alzheimer's, brains aren't using glucose properly," Diamond said


http://www.healthzone.ca/health/yourhealth/agingwell/article/752820--why-alzheimer-s-is-called-type-3-diabetes