Enzyme Engineering
Open Access

Abstract

Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes

Mushtaq G, Khan JA and Kamal MA

Several epidemiological studies provide evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing Alzheimer?s disease significantly. Both disorders share certain abnormal biological mechanisms such as impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, increased ?-amyloid formation, oxidative stress, and the presence of advanced glycation end products. This review focuses on glucose metabolism impairment as a common clinical and biochemical feature shared by Alzheimer?s disease and type 2 diabetes. With better knowledge of the common molecular and cellular pathways involved in the progression of these two disorders, researchers may have the opportunity to design effective therapeutic interventions to treat or control type 2 diabetes mellitus and, consequently, delay the onset or progression of Alzheimer?s disease.