TREATMENT OF INSULIN RESISTANCE/METABOLIC SYNDROME TO ALLEVIATE THE RISKS OF DEMENTIA

摘要

This invention relates to Applicant's discovery that Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of disorders stemming from a resistance to insulin, contributes directly to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Applicant's invention includes a screening method to determine susceptibility and diagnosis of dementia based on the risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome. Applicant's invention further includes methods for the prevention or treatment of dementia and other neurological conditions based on (1) minimizing insulin resistance, thereby preventing excess biosynthesis of insulin; (2) modulating the activity of IDE such that insulin competes less efficiently with ß-amyloid protein for the IDE; and (3) blocking the consequences of NMDA receptor activation, such as by minimizing the generation of NO and other harmful free radicals.