Drugs used to treat diabetes could cure Alzheimer's, experts say

Drugs prescribed to treat diabetes could cure Alzheimer's disease, a pioneering new study has found.    Scientists believe that the two conditions are so similar that medications already used to control levels of glucose and regulate diabetes could also halt the onset of dementia.    A new study using a computer model of Alzheimer's disease has found that complications within the brain can lead to changes in glucose, which ultimately leads to diabetes.    The current medical consensus is that diabetes begins with a malfunction in the pancreas, or through sufferers consuming a high fat, high sugar diet.    However, the new research suggests that Alzheimer's can lead to diabetes, whereas previous studies suggest that the latter is the first to occur.    The research, published in the journal Diabetologia, was aimed at finding out why the two diseases are so commonly found together in elderly patients.   It also found increased levels of a gene involved in the production of toxic proteins in the brain not only led to Alzheimer's-like symptoms, but also to the development of diabetic complications.   Professor Bettina Platt, of Aberdeen University, said: "Many people are unaware of the relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, but the fact is around 80 per cent of people with Alzheimer's disease also have some form of diabetes or disturbed glucose metabolism.   "This is hugely relevant as Alzheimer's is in the vast majority of cases not inherited, and lifestyle factors must therefore be to blame."   "Our research teams are particularly interested in the impact of lifestyle related factors in dementia and by collaborating with experts in diabetes and metabolism, we have been able to investigate the nature of the link in great detail.   "Until now, we always assumed obese people get type 2 diabetes and then are more likely to get dementia - we now show that actually it also works the other way around.   "Additionally, it was previously believed diabetes starts in the periphery, i.e. the pancreas and liver, often due to consumption of an unhealthy diet, but here we show that dysregulation in the brain can equally lead to development of very severe diabetes - so again showing that diabetes doesn't necessarily have to start with your body getting fat - it can start with changes in the brain.   "This study provides a new therapeutic angle into Alzheimer's disease and we now think some of the compounds that are used for obesity and diabetic deregulation might potentially be beneficial for Alzheimer's patients as well.   "The good news is there are a number of new drugs available right now which we are testing to see if they would reverse both Alzheimer's and diabetes symptoms.   "We will also be able to study whether new treatments developed for Alzheimer's can improve both, the diabetic and cognitive symptoms."   The findings follow research last year into the diabetes drug liraglutide, which experts hope could become the first effective weapon in the fight against Alzheimer's -  which currently affects 850,000 Britons.    There is currently no known cure for the disease.    Tests in mice genetically engineered to develop a rodent form of Alzheimer's found their brain function improved dramatically when administered with the drug.   Human trials are now being carried out among more than 200 patients across the UK.   Experts say it could prove a "game changer" in the way dementia is treated.   Liraglutide is a relatively new, injectable drug with users taking a 1.2 mg dose once a day to treat Type 2 diabetes.   Originally developed to stimulate insulin production, scientists believe it could play a key role in activating brain signalling mechanisms which are destroyed when Alzheimer's takes grip.   If they are successful it would become the first new dementia treatment in a decade and could be available for use within five years.   New estimates show more than two million people in the UK will be struck down with dementia by 2050.   It commonly occurs in those over 65 and its hallmarks include the rapid deterioration of behaviour, language skills and personality.   Dr Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK said: "Scientists have known for some time people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, and research is currently underway to better understand how diabetes might be triggering Alzheimer's changes in the brain.   "This study suggests the link between these two diseases could also be working in the other direction, with aspects of Alzheimer's leading to complications associated with diabetes.   "Clinical trials are currently underway to determine whether medications for diabetes could benefit people with Alzheimer's and a better understanding of this link is crucial as researchers seek to find new ways of tackling both diseases.   "Diabetes is one risk factor for Alzheimer's but the disease is caused by a complex mix of age, genetics and lifestyle factors.   "Current evidence suggests that not smoking, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, eating a balanced diet, drinking in moderation and staying mentally and physically active call all help to maintain brain health as we age."

Telegraph