| Chronic stress increases the stress hormone cortisol in the long term, which destabilizes the general homeostasis, which contributes to the development of depressive complaints and cognitive disorders. A long term increased cortisol level also disrupts insulin s action and can further develop into Type 2 diabetes, which is accompanied by a decreased function of insulin in the brain. The aforementioned is possibly involved in the development of cognitive deterioration as a result of a progressive cerebrovascular dysfunction and dying brain cells. This neuro-degeneration increases the risk of developing Alzheimer s disease. In this study, we will therefore look directly at whether an imbalance of the insulin system damages cerebrovascular function and thereby speeds up neuro-degeneration and worsens the memory in special mice that can develop Alzheimer s disease. The findings of the study is important in order to make possible an early diagnosis so as to combat the eventual development of Alzheimer s and offers the possibility of treating cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer s patients with medicine that can restore the weakened production of insulin. |
