Diabetes and Alzheimer's

Diabetes has been known for some time to increase the risk of vascular dementia because diabetes damages blood vessels. However, it also is a risk for Alzheimer's and scientists have found a possible genetic link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's.  The experiments which are suggesting these findings use a nematode which is able to replicate amyloid proteins so well they serve as a human analog.  The research found that one gene found in many Alzheimer's cases disrupts insulin pathways.  Type 2 diabetes also has this same disruption of insulin pathways.  The reason this research is exciting is that it suggests a path to study which may lead to treatments of both diseases.

Additional Information Sources:
Gene May Link Diabetes and Alzheimer's
Single gene may link diabetes, Alzheimer's

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