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Neuro Congress 2019 Journal of Brain and Neurology | Volume 3
June 19-20, 2019 | Dublin, Ireland
OF EXCELLENCE
IN INTERNATIONAL
MEETINGS
YEARS
NEUROLOGY AND BRAIN DISORDERS
3rd International Conference on
J Brain Neurol 2019, Volume 3
IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE A TYPE OF DIABETES?
Alyne Mendonça Marques Ton
Vila Velha University, Brazil
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of memory and impair-
ment of multiple cognitive functions, to the detriment of hippocampal and cortical neurons. It is reported that
neuronal loss may contribute to a 20-30% decrease in brain weight loss in patients with AD. This impairment in the
counting and functionality of neurons occurs as a consequence of the accumulation of β-amyloid protein (β-A) and
neurofibrillary tangles. Β-A protein is found in neuritic plaques of the brain with AD and is generated by abnormal
processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in neurons. The cause of abnormal APP processing and subsequent
accumulation of β-A protein is unknown. There have been a growing number of studies that support the concept
that AD essentially represents a metabolic disease with impairment in energy production and utilization of glucose
by the brain. The metabolic abnormalities present in the disease in question are related to insulin resistance and in-
sulin-like growth factor (IGF) and thus to the breakdown of signaling pathways that regulate the survival of neurons,
energy production, gene expression and plasticity. Therefore, it is suggested that therapeutic strategies designated
for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, obesity and insulin resistance may be useful in slowing the progression or
reducing the severity of AD.