The results of a pilot trial indicate that insulin, delivered intranasally, can preserve or even improve cognition and functional abilities in patients with Alzheimer disease or amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Over a 4-month period, patients receiving a daily 20 IU intranasal dose of insulin exhibited improved delayed memory compared with those receiving placebo, and 20 IU and 40 IU doses were both associated with preserved ability to perform daily functions. The researchers believe that longer trials of this treatment approach are warranted.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Craft, S. et al. Intranasal insulin therapy for Alzheimer disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Arch. Neurol. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2011.233
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Benefits of an insulin nasal spray in Alzheimer disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Nat Rev Neurol 7, 598 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.157
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.157