Impaired insulin signaling in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Impaired insulin signaling in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Takeshi Ikeuchi¹⁾, Takayoshi Tokutake²⁾, Kensaku Kasuga²⁾, Masatoyo Nishizawa²⁾

¹⁾Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University
²⁾Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University

Several lines of evidence from epidemiological studies demonstrated that insulin resistance associated type II diabetes is a strong risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanism(s) by which impairment of insulin signal transduction induces pathological changes in brain of Alzheimer's disease. Insulin receptors are abundant in synapses in brain regions that are important for memory and learning. Impaired insulin receptor-mediated signaling has been observed in patients with AD and in animal models of this disease. Insulin resistant conditions are amenable to both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, which may be a therapeutic target of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Address correspondence to Dr. Takeshi Ikeuchi, Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University(1-757 Asahimachi, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8585, Japan)