CHICAGO -- A better understanding of the metabolic processes in the brain -- specifically disturbances resulting from neurodegenerative diseases -- has important implications for potential treatments. The research was presented at Neuroscience 2019, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.
Dementia is prevalent and growing, expected to reach over 131 million in 2050. One novel area of research is the metabolism of glucose in the brain. Type 2 diabetes increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk by about two-fold. The metabolism of glucose is important for brain functioning, including energy distribution and neural activity. A malfunction therefore has cascading effects. Researchers are now working to understand the exact underpinnings and consequences of such metabolic disturbance to more easily identify and treat the disease.
Today's new findings show that:
"Not much is known about the connection between dementia and the metabolic system that fuels the brain," said press conference moderator David Holtzman, MD, a professor at Washington University and scientific director of the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders. "Further research can help us understand how to manipulate these functions for treatment purposes, as well as better identify the underpinnings of the disease."
This research was supported by national funding agencies including the National Institutes of Health and private funding organizations. Find out more about Alzheimer's Disease and other cognitive disorders on BrainFacts.org.
Related Neuroscience 2019 Presentation
Poster Session: Alzheimer's Disease: Energy Homeostasis
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Hall A
Metabolism-AD Press Conference Summary
High-fat diet Leads to Memory Impairment and Decreased Insulin-Akt-GSK3β Signaling in the Brain of Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Sami Gabbouj, sami.gabbouj@uef.fi , Abstract 189.01
ApoE2-Mediated Neuroprotective Mechanism Through Regulation of Glycolysis
Li(qin) Zhao, lzhao@ku.edu , Abstract 651.06
Alzheimer-related Pathology Impairs Peripheral Glucose Tolerance by Disrupting Glucose Transporter 1 Localization and Cerebral Glucose Delivery
Steven W. Barger, BargerStevenW@uams.edu , Abstract 651.09
Aging and Pathology Cause Sleep Disruptions and Altered Metabolism in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Shannon L. Macauley, smacaule@wakehealth.edu , Abstract 651.23
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About the Society for Neuroscienc e
The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide.