Alzheimer’s, glucose link researched

A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences researcher has explored a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and blood sugar levels, garnering national scientific interest.

Steven Barger, who has appointments in the UAMS geriatrics, neurobiology and developmental sciences departments, presented his findings at a news conference at the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago last month.

The professor’s study found that a protein taking glucose from blood vessels to brain neurons doesn’t work as well in people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

That means the brain isn’t getting enough glucose, a news release said. Instead, it’s backing up in the bloodstream, mimicking diabetes.

The findings cast doubt on a strong connection previously theorized between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, and Barger said they may point the way toward subjects for clinical trials dealing with the degenerative brain illness.

Numerous trials seeking a drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease — currently incurable — have failed in recent years, including a high-profile study with more than 3,000 participants that ended because of ineffectiveness in March.

Last month, drugmaker Biogen announced an updated analysis showed new promise for that drug, called aducanumab, reports said.

Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to affect about 56,000 Arkansans, according to data from the national Alzheimer’s Association.