Alzheimer’s disease in men linked to low levels of hormone

by Gary Finnegan – World Health Matters (France) – A new study has suggested that low levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are associated with Alzheimer’s disease in men.

The finding, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, could suggest a potential new treatment for the disease, according to the French researchers behind the project.

IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are known to be involved in longevity and have previously been shown to be beneficial to cognition, especially in Alzheimer’s disease where experimental studies have shown that IGF-1 opposes the main pathological processes of neurodegeneration.

The new study led by Broca Hospital in Paris investigated the relationship between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease, with a view to revealing new therapies for chronic neurodegenerative conditions.

“At this time, no curative treatment is available for Alzheimer’s disease so focus on modifiable associated factors is of major importance,” said Dr Emmanuelle Duron of Broca Hospital. “Our research shows a possible usefulness of IGF-1 in Alzheimer’s disease treatment, especially in early stages.”

In this multicentric cross-sectional study, researchers measured IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in 694 elderly subjects (218 men and 476 women). Of the study participants, 481 had memory complaints and were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment.

Dr Duron and her colleagues found that IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels were not significantly associated with cognitive status in women, prompting calls for further study to tease out the role of gender in cognitive decay.

“Our cross-sectional association does not mean a causal relationship,” Dr Duron said. “Our results justify a longitudinal study to evaluate whether circulating IGF-1/IGFBP-3 are predictive of cognitive decline according to gender.”