A new report from a patient advocacy group has shown that as many as twenty eight million people are living with Alzheimer's Disease. While the existing treatments for the disease have been little to no help, there is evidence to show a potential cure is on the horizon. The National Institute of Health has recently funded a study and has concluded that a nasal insulin spray has actually shown memory improvements in some patients.
A total of 104 subjects with Alzheimer's Disease were tested. The subjects were divided into three groups. The first group received a placebo, the second group received 20 units of insulin per day and the third group received 40 units of insulin per day. Memory and brain cognition were tested before and after the study. After 4 months, 75% of the subjects tested, did better on memory tests and on brain scans!
Scientists used a special instrument to get the insulin into the upper sinuses of the subjects, where it then travelled along the nerves into the brain. The insulin reached the brain very quickly, within a 15 to 30 minute time frame. It's important to note that this treatment does not result in harmful side effects because the insulin levels in the rest of the body are not increased.
Recent studies have shown a strong connection between insulin resistance and the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. If the brain does not properly use sugar, it can lead to memory loss. Hence, insulin assists the brain to use sugar properly.
This discovery is very exciting for those who have Alzheimer's Disease and for the family members who are also affected by their loved one's memory loss. Hopefully the next step will be that a larger trial will be conducted, and if all goes well, eventually FDA approval!