Insulin and brain aging

The world’s population is living much longer than in the past. It is crucial to find as many pathological factors that deteriorate the health condition and well-being of elderly people as possible. Loss of activity and functions over time is typical for elderly people. Aging affects brain function, metabolism and structure in different ways, and these effects have multiple etiologies. Cognitive impairment, impaired neurotransmitter activity and reduction of brain volume are observed in the elderly population. The process of brain aging is associated with a decrease of central insulin concentration as well as impairment of insulin receptor binding ability, resulting in deterioration of glucose homeostasis in the brain. Peripheral insulin resistance is a typical feature of older age. Data from the literature suggest that high circulating insulin and insulin resistance are important contributors to progressive cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative processes. The maintenance of insulin sensitivity and proper insulin signaling may lead to preserved cognition that results in well-being of elderly people.