Alzheimer's gene 'diabetes link'

[Ian2day]

Alzheimer's gene 'diabetes link'


Scientists say they have identified a possible genetic link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
It has been known for some time that people with diabetes have a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer's, but not why this is so.
Now US researchers writing in Genetics say a study of worms has indicated a known Alzheimer's gene also plays a role in the way insulin is processed.
Dementia experts said more work in humans was now needed.
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, which affects 820,000 people in the UK.
There are medications which can slow the progress of the disease, but none that can halt its progress.
A key indication of Alzheimer's, which can only be seen after death, is the presence of sticky plaques of amyloid protein in decimated portions of patients' brains.
Scientists have already found mutations in a gene involved in the processing of amyloid protein in Alzheimer's which run in families.
'Open new doors' In this study, a team from the City College of New York looked at a similar gene in the nematode worms (C. elegans).

These worms are often studied because they, perhaps surprisingly, a useful model for human research.
The researchers, led by Prof Chris Li, found the gene in the worms also affected the insulin pathway - the chemical reactions involved in its production and processing.
Prof Li said: "People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of dementia.
"The insulin pathways are involved in many metabolic processes, including helping to keep the nervous system healthy."
She said more work was needed to investigate this potential link and its effects further.
Mark Johnston, editor-in-chief of the journal Genetics, said it was "an important discovery".
"We know there's a link between Alzheimer's and diabetes, but until now it was somewhat of a mystery.
"This finding could open new doors for treating and preventing the disease."
Dr Marie Janson, director of development at Alzheimer's Research UK, which has itself funded studies looking at the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's said: "This early-stage study may provide an interesting clue to help scientists unravel how diabetes and Alzheimer's are linked, but questions still remain to be answered.
"As this research looked at the effects of a gene in worms, studies are now needed to discover whether the equivalent gene in people has the same effect, and exactly what mechanisms may be involved."
And Dr Anne Corbett, research communications manager at Alzheimer's UK, added: "There is a growing body of evidence linking the development of diabetes with an increased risk of dementia.
"By identifying a potential relationship between genes involved in diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, this study offers further clues as to what this link could be.
"However, further research is needed to know whether these findings, from research with worms, will be the same in humans."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18445701

This is good news for those of us waiting for a cure for diabetes to be discovered. At a minimum I at least know that my poor memory is linked to having Diabetes. It took me years to become aware consciously that I had a poor memory. My poor memory has cost me several fortunes. Maybe that's why the word poor is used in this context.

[sillybilly]

I used to work with dementia sufferers and their families. Most of them did not have diabetes, neither did my mother who had dementia. So while it may well be a factor, this news offers no hope for the bulk of sufferers.
Something else is going on.

[dolores1]

Yes, something else is going on!

Check out the Doctor who cured her husband of Alzheimers using coconut oil, I haven't the link here but it is on youtube.

But I'm sure there will be Big Pharma grants for the research to produce patents!
.

[sillybilly]

Originally Posted by dolores1

Yes, something else is going on!

Check out the Doctor who cured her husband of Alzheimers using coconut oil, I haven't the link here but it is on youtube.

Yes I saw this and worried about my own memory and possible genetic influences, I tried it. In fact because it is such a good all rounder. I now have a stock of organic raw virgin coconut oil - which I use on my skin as well as eat. I don't think it did anything for my memory but who knows it might help preserve what I have.
It didn't actually 'cure' her husband but apparently it improved and reversed some symptoms.
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/inde...p4/LJO190v1_WS

[thegatherer]

Originally Posted by sillybilly

I used to work with dementia sufferers and their families. Most of them did not have diabetes, neither did my mother who had dementia. So while it may well be a factor, this news offers no hope for the bulk of sufferers.
Something else is going on.

The whole 'genetic' thing is massively overplayed by TPTB because it makes people think that disease is nothing to do with the environmental toxins, food toxins, electromagnetic interference, lack of correct nutrition and vitramins etc. Those are the areas they dont want people to dig around in....it's all 'genetic' you see..

[sillybilly]

Originally Posted by thegatherer

The whole 'genetic' thing is massively overplayed by TPTB because it makes people think that disease is nothing to do with the environmental toxins, food toxins, electromagnetic interference, lack of correct nutrition and vitramins etc. Those are the areas they dont want people to dig around in....it's all 'genetic' you see..

And the problem is the more people get it, the more they will play up the genetic theory because, see, your parents had it
It's the same with cancer.

[unicorny]

Originally Posted by thegatherer

The whole 'genetic' thing is massively overplayed by TPTB because it makes people think that disease is nothing to do with the environmental toxins, food toxins, electromagnetic interference, lack of correct nutrition and vitramins etc. Those are the areas they dont want people to dig around in....it's all 'genetic' you see..

Yeah I agree what they should really be saying is they have a genetic need to eat less crap, or a genetic predisposition that requires them to walk 2 miles every day. all diseases not just diabetes seem to be linked to people living a lifestyle that is not aligned with their body.
Sugar is a potent neurotoxin and if it's not managed in the blood then it's likely that it will damage your brain. Alzheimers has been linked to increased levels of free radicals in the brain as sugar generates free radicals the link between alzheimers and diabetes should not be too much of a surprise

[unicorny]

Originally Posted by sillybilly

And the problem is the more people get it, the more they will play up the genetic theory because, see, your parents had it
It's the same with cancer.

It's a disempowerment thing too I always think. Give it a name call it a disease and take the responsibility away from the individual. I have a mild condition that flares up when I drink alcohol and eat crap the docs would be happy to let me carry on not listening to my bodies needs and instead drug me. It is madness that they don't look at lifestyle more - Ofcourse not all diseases are as clear cut
p.s. I'm not an alchy or anything like it, but my skin tells me when I have had a drink