If Terry Pratchett has got you pondering this devastating disease, then you may be reassured by this paper published in PNAS a few days ago… which highlights the role of insulin to halt the neurological degeneration.
Although the brain once was considered insulin insensitive, it
is now known that central nervous system insulin signaling is important for many
aspects of neuronal function, including plasticity and memory formation.
The team showed that Rosiglitazone (an insulin sensitising drug), potentiates the ability of insulin to protect synapses against ADDLs (Amyloid beta derived diffusible ligands) which are potent central nervous system neurotoxins.
It basically opens up a huge avenue of treatment for this dehumanising degenerative disease, excellent work.