Author: Nicolls M.R.

Source: Current Alzheimer Research, Volume 1, Number 1, February 2004 , pp. 47-54(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The clinical relationship between Type II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease has been debated for over a decade. While several studies have not shown a clear clinical correlation, others have demonstrated that Type II diabetes is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Why diabetes would increase the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease is not immediately clear, although recent studies have demonstrated an impact of insulin abnormalities, insulin resistance and advanced glycation end products on both the development of neural amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Although endodermal in embryologic development, the pancreas is a highly innervated organ that shares a number of molecular similarities with brain at the level of the transcriptome and proteome. Type II diabetes and Alzheimer's disease are characterized by localized amyloid deposits that progress during the course of the disease. Comparing amyloid deposition in the brain and pancreas reveals some striking pathophysiologic similarities. Neurodegeneration in pancreatic islets, as manifested by neurofibrillary tangles, is less well studied than in Alzheimer's disease but may also occur. This review summarizes what is currently known about the clinical and biological relationships and similarities between Type II diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: Type II Diabetes Mellitus; Alzheimers disease; islet; pancreas; islet transplantation

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567205043480555

Affiliations: 1: Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E. 9th Ave, Box C272 Denver, CO 80262, USA.

Publication date: 2004-02-01

More about this publication?

• Current Alzheimer Research publishes peer-reviewed frontier review and research articles on all areas of Alzheimer's disease. This multidisciplinary journal will help in understanding the neurobiology, genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes objective reviews written by experts and leaders actively engaged in research using cellular, molecular, and animal models. The journal also covers original articles on recent research in fast emerging areas of molecular diagnostics, brain imaging, drug development and discovery, and clinical aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Manuscripts are encouraged that relate to the synergistic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease with other dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. Book reviews, meeting reports and letters-to-the-editor are also published. The journal is essential reading for researchers, educators and physicians with interest in age-related dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Current Alzheimer Research provides a comprehensive 'bird's-eye view' of the current state of Alzheimer's research for neuroscientists, clinicians, health science planners, granting, caregivers and families of this devastating disease.

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