Insulin Nasal Spray Slows Down Alzheimer's

A special insulin delivery system may help to slow down the progress of Alzheimer's disease in some people, according to a new study from the University of Washington. Researchers have developed an insulin nasal spray that appears to improve memory and protect cognition in people with Alzheimer's or "mild cognitive impairment".

In recent years researchers have found a strong connection between insulin resistance (which causes type 2 diabetes) and the development of Alzheimer's disease. For some reasons the brains of Alzheimer's patients don't have enough insulin hormone or aren't able to metabolize insulin that is present. But giving insulin via the normal methods -- such as injection -- does not solve the problem and can actually be very risky.

The new spray delivers insulin close to the brain by inserting it into the sinus cavity. From there it is able to travel along nerve cells and reach the brain with 20 minutes. The researchers said they were surprised that so many study participants benefited from the medication (most Alzheimer's treatments only work for a small percentage of patients).

Experts warn, however, that it will take some time and much more research before a consumer product is available to the public.

Learn some mo': Insulin nasal spray may slow Alzheimer's