Genetic Link Connecting Diabetes and Alzheimer's?

Researchers at the City College of New York have published the results of a study that indicates that a single gene forms a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Biology Professor Chris Li and her colleagues write that the gene, which is known to be present in many Alzheimer’s disease cases, affects the insulin pathway. That kind of disruption of the insulin pathway is a prominent feature of diabetes.

The story is published in the June 2012 issue of Genetics.

According to Professor Li, “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.”

Professor Li and her colleagues hope that the new insights into the genetic link between the two diseases will help focus research in ways that might lead to new therapies in the treatment of both.