[neverdem]

Interesting study that the lack of glucose may trigger the production of amyloid plaques.

It ties into theories that diabetes makes people more susceptable to Alzheimer's Disease.

Structure of enzyme offers treatment clues for diabetes, Alzheimer's

"Groundbreaking" Alzheimer's trial removes toxic brain plaques

There was no cognitive improvement. I have to wonder if the accumulation of amyloid plaques is just an effect, not the cause of the underlying pathology.

FReepmail me if you want on or off the diabetes ping list.

[texas booster]

Many thanks for the pings out!

Regarding the Amyloid plaques, could it be that the brain is a slow healer and treatment has to be aimed at never allowing amyloid production to start, rather than clearing it out?

If amyloids are a reaction to physical (molecular) stress in the brain, then we have several new avenues to explore.

[traderrob6]

“have to wonder if the accumulation of amyloid plaques is just an effect, not the cause of the underlying pathology”

Bingo. Just as plaques in coronary arteries are initially protective in function.

[fightinJAG]

I have to wonder if the accumulation of amyloid plaques is just an effect, not the cause of the underlying pathology.

I was just about to say that. More than one study, IIRC, has shown no cognitive improvement even when the plaque was removed.

This would make sense if the plaques form because of the lack of glucose and it is the lack of glucose that is damaging the brain.

Alternatively, the lack of glucose could be caused by some other condition---e.g., inflammation that causes micro-swelling and inhibits circulation---and it is the lack of circulation that causes the damage and the lack of glucose.