Nasal spray could help Alzheimer's sufferers
Researchers in Seattle say that an insulin nasal spray could help Alzheimer's sufferers remember again.
7News says the study looked at the effects of insulin, typically used to treat diabetes, as a nose spray on patients in early stages of Alzheimer's decline.
Doctors experimented with 104 sufferers in the initial study, giving half a daily insulin spray and the others a placebo.
The nasal device used sprayed the insulin into the upper sinuses, along the nerves and into the brain.
After four months on the medical trial, three-quarters of those getting the insulin spray did better on memory and learning tests, reported 7News.
"It's very promising." says Dr Laurie Ryan, from the National Institute of Health.
"We're very excited about it. We'd like to see it move forward into a larger trial." says Ryan.
Explaining the how the nasal spray works Bryce Vissell from the Garvan Institute says, "Processing of insulin in the brain appears to go wrong in Alzheimers. So the idea was to try and replace that insulin we might be able to try and restore some of the deficits that occur in Alzheimer's"
Experts say medical research like this is promising, but insist that early diagnosis is crucial to treating Alzheimer's.
According to 7News, a report released today found half of all Australian sufferers don't even realise they have it, and many put forgetfulness down to old age.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease visit the Alzheimer's Australia website www.alzheimers.org.au/
