An Iowa State University study recently assessed 150 late middle-aged participants, average age 60, who due to factors such as family history were at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. The results indicated that insulin resistance was increased in parts of the brain most affected in Alzheimers, and that greater insulin resistance in the brain was significantly associated with poorer memory performance in testing of both immediate and delayed recall. Hence, insulin resistance is not only relevant for a person's future, but also impacts present brain function, (not to mention the rest of the body!)
So, if you find yourself "blanking" on something you should know, or forgetting what you just walked into a room for a bit too often, one of the things to question is your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Another aspect of insulin resistance that often gets ignored is that it is very inflammatory. Combine high insulin with unhealthy levels of stress, and you have a perfect conditions for an "inflammation party"...not good! Because what does inflammation do? It further suppresses your ability to use oxygen and produce energy properly, and puts your brain "on the blink"!
It's part of what we at Optimum Health have been telling our customers for decades....too much starch and sugar, and resulting high levels of insulin are one the major scourges on the health of the North American population, and can have immediate ramifications!
I still remember being at a seminar with Ron Rosedale M.D. in the 1990's where this was all explained to me, and I realized what a big deal having excess insulin is! Conversely, the more sensitive to insulin's message we are the less we need to get the job done.
>As the skyrocketing rates of Alzheimer's, and other nervous system disorders that have become rampant reflect balancing blood sugar and insulin is becoming increasingly critical! Stay tuned for more specific info on the above blood sugar formulas next time!
Be Well!,
John
Sources
Auriel A. Willette, Barbara B. Bendlin, Erika J. Starks, Alex C. Birdsill, Sterling C. Johnson, Bradley T. Christian, Ozioma C. Okonkwo, Asenath La Rue, Bruce P. Hermann, Rebecca L. Koscik, Erin M. Jonaitis, Mark A. Sager, Sanjay Asthana. Association of Insulin Resistance With Cerebral Glucose Uptake in Late Middle–Aged Adults at Risk for Alzheimer Disease. JAMA Neurology, 2015; DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.0613
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.