Scientists at the University of Brescia in Italy have discovered that a routine blood test used to detect insulin resistance can identify people with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who are four times more likely to experience rapid cognitive decline.
Researchers analyzed 315 non-diabetic patients, including 200 diagnosed with AD, and found that those with higher insulin levels were more likely to progress quickly. The study focused on the early stage of AD, where patients begin to notice thinking and memory problems.
The researchers used the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a widely used blood test for insulin resistance-related disorders and cardiovascular disease. They followed up with the patient group after three years, dividing them according to their TyG index levels.
Their findings showed that those with higher TyG index suffered from faster cognitive decline, but not in non-AD patients.
“We were surprised by this effect only in Alzheimer’s spectrum,” said Bianca Gumina, PhD, lead investigator of the study. “It suggests a specific vulnerability to metabolic stress during the prodromal window.”
Insulin resistance is believed to affect pathways that are unique or differently activated in AD. It promotes amyloid accumulation, disrupts the blood-brain barrier, and boosts inflammation.
The researchers hope that their findings can be used to identify vulnerable subjects for targeted therapy or intervention strategies. They plan to investigate if it’s possible to track TyG levels with neuroimaging biomarkers to detect AD progression earlier.
Source: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/translational-research/insulin-resistance-predicts-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers