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10-03-2025 | Insulins | Review

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease: signalling mechanisms and therapeutics strategies

Authors: Mini Dahiya, Monu Yadav, Chetan Goyal, Anil Kumar

Abstract

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, is characterised by hallmark abnormalities such as amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Emerging evidence suggests that faulty insulin signalling contributes to these pathological features, impairing critical cellular and metabolic processes.

Objective

This review aims to elucidate the role of insulin signalling in the central nervous system (CNS) under normal and pathological conditions and to explore therapeutic approaches targeting insulin pathways in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

We reviewed studies highlighting the involvement of insulin-signalling pathways in neuronal health, with a particular focus on the key components—IRS, PI3K, Akt, and GSK-3β—predominantly expressed in cortical and hippocampal regions.

Results

Insulin, an essential growth factor, regulates numerous cellular functions, including glucose metabolism, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress response, autophagy, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive processes. Altered phosphorylation of signalling molecules in insulin pathways contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and the formation of AD hallmarks. Indirect modulators such as NF-κB and caspases further exacerbate neuronal damage, linking impaired insulin signalling to neurodegeneration.

Conclusion

Insulin signalling plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health and mitigating neurodegenerative processes. Targeting insulin pathways and associated molecules offers promising therapeutic avenues for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

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Title: Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease: signalling mechanisms and therapeutics strategies
Authors: Mini Dahiya
Monu Yadav
Chetan Goyal
Anil Kumar
Publication date: 10-03-2025
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Insulins
Insulins
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer Disease
Published in: Inflammopharmacology
Print ISSN: 0925-4692
Electronic ISSN: 1568-5608
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-025-01704-2

Podcast | Sexual health in older age

Springer Medicine

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease: signalling mechanisms and therapeutics strategies

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Podcast | Sexual health in older age

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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