According to an article published on September 12, 2011 in the Archives of Neurology, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has demonstrated that intranasal insulin can improve memory and the ability to perform daily functions in adults with agnestic mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The study is called “Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight Forgetfulness” (SNIFF).
Researchers from the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and from the University of Washington dosed patients with either 20-IU (international units) insulin nasal spray, a 40-IU spray, or a saline nasal spray over a 4 month period. Metered doses of the nasal sprays were administered using the ViaNase intranasal delivery device from Kurve Technology.
The main study enrolled 104 patients. Both insulin groups showed significantly less decline in cognition than the placebo group. The 20-IU group, which was older than the 40-IU group, showed improvement in memory over a 2-month period, while the 40-IU group showed no improvement. Both doses showed the ability to preserve ability to perform daily functions.
“In conclusion,” write the researchers, “the results of our pilot trial demonstrate that the administration of intranasal insulin stabilized or improved cognition, function, and cerebral glucose metabolism for adults with aMCI or AD. Safety profiles and compliance were excellent for this short-term intervention. Taken together, these results provide an impetus for future clinical trials of intranasal insulin therapy and for further mechanistic studies of insulin’s role in the pathogenesis of AD.”
An HBO documentary featuring lead researcher Suzanne Craft produced in 2010 describes the link between insulin and Alzheimer’s and shows a study participant using the ViaNase device for intranasal delivery of insulin.
Watch the documentary segment featuring intranasal delivery of insulin.
Read the full article.
