PERIPHERAL GLUCOSE-METABOLISM AND INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Twenty-four patients with Alzheimer's disease and matched controls wer e examined with reference to metabolic parameters such as peripheral i nsulin and glucose metabolism, serum lipid concentrations and blood pr essure levels. Blood glucose levels and insulin response were measured during an intravenous glucose tolerance test and peripheral insulin s ensitivity was estimated with the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp te chnique. There were no differences recorded between the two groups in glucose metabolism, triglyceride, cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol level s. The patients with Alzheimer's disease had significantly lower blood pressure levels, which partly could be explained by ongoing treatment with neuroleptics and antidepressives. Previous findings of higher in sulin levels in Alzheimer's disease could not be verified.