In a double-blind trial, 25 patients with early AD or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were enrolled, of whom 12 were randomized to receive placebo and 13 to receive 20 IU intranasal insulin administered using The ViaNase electronic atomizer twice daily for 21 days. Outcomes included cognitive measures and blood levels of glucose and insulin at baseline, and after 10 and 21 days of treatment.

"For a genetic subgroup of patients previously shown to be more affected by insulin resistance, memory improved [by] about 20%," Dr. Craft said. "Caregivers of these patients reported significantly improved daily function, suggesting that the effects were clinically significant. Longer-term trials of intranasal insulin appear warranted at this time."

Read the complete study writeup