Type 3 diabetes, an informal designation recently made popular, refers to the association between altered brain glucose transport and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients have reduced GLUT1, the glucose transporter, at the bloodbrain barrier, which may diminish neuronal activity. However, it is unclear which comes first, the breakdown of the bloodbrain barrier or the reduced glucose transport, but it is likely a vicious cycle.

Animal studies indicate that omega3 deficiency may also reduce GLUT1 transporters in the brain. Other studies suggest that omega3 supplementation reduces VCAM1 levels – a protein elevated with normal aging, which could be related to the breakdown of the bloodbrain barrier. In this clip, Dr. Axel Montagne highlights the bloodbrain barrier changes that potentially contribute to Alzheimer's disease.

Interview published on Feb 28, 2023

Watch the full episode:
   • Axel Montagne, PhD, on Solving Alzhei...  

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