Alzheimers is a neurodegenerative disease in individuals that are usually of an older age. One of the major components to Alzheimers disease (AD) is the role of insulin. Insulin functions in our bodies to regulate uptake of glucose for cellular processes. In neurological functions, it breaks down Aβ amyloid plaques. though if there is a lack of insulin, this results in plaque formations leading to tau plaques. These plaques result in loss of neurons, as these can prevent the proper function of the neurons.
Insulin resistance develops from an excess of GM3 gangliosides building up in the phospholipid membrane, causing dissociation of the GEM insulin receptors from the caveolae.
This lack of insulin signaling leads to a lack of glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes, a disease that is more common in obese and overweight individuals. These diseases share many components, such as a resistance to insulin. These diseases prevalence will only become more taxing on our society, as the projected numbers for the US ranks 50% of the population to be classified as overweight or obese by 2030. This increase in the affected population will also increase the number of individuals that are at a much higher risk for AD and type 2 diabetes. The State of Obesity lists the average percentage of adults in the US is 30% in most states. With several states having 35+% of the population being considered obese. In a projected 13 years for that percentage to gradually increase to encompass more of the population.
So what can we do to prevent this?
Our lifestyle choices play a major component in the development of bad habits, which can result in becoming overweight. Once overweight, this greatly increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Since the relationship with type 2 diabetes and AD, this also increases the chances for someone who has type 2 diabetes or is overweight to be at risk for AD.
So to take preventative measures at a younger age, as preventing one from becoming obese or overweight by being active and eating a healthy and balanced diet. As these factors become more substantial at an older age.
