The insulin resistance in the development of Alzheimer’s disease: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the influence of insulin resistance on the prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Bibliographic review: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative process characterized by the presence of pathological markers of β-amyloid plaques. Insulin has neuromodulatory function and, in the brain, has an important role in the survival of neurons, energy production and gene expression. Recent studies revealed that insulin resistance in the brain is one of the cognitive impairment factors in Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, it is critical to understand the pathophysiological relation between insulin resistance and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, so that it is possible to establish a more appropriate treatment, and avoid cognitive decline through metabolic control. Final considerations: Stands out the existence of a relationship between the development of Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance and the need to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms is perceived, so that adequate therapeutic strategies can be devised.