With the aging of America, investigators are actively seeking ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease. A new study from Wake Forest University suggests that insulin or an insulin-like compound may improve memory for patients with cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. The compound the researchers chose is called insulin detemir.
Patients were randomized to receive a daily nasal spray with either long-lasting insulin detemir or placebo. Those who received the highest dose of insulin detemir (40 IU/day) performed better on tests of memory and cognition.
The medication worked especially well for people with the gene APOE-e4 that predisposes them to Alzheimer’s disease. Other interventions may be better for individuals who do not have that genetic make-up.
