Bio
The brain uses glucose as its primary energy source for cognitive activity and is dependent on receiving an adequate supply of glucose from peripheral sources. Dr. Craft's research examines how disruption of systemic and central glucose metabolism may contribute to cognitive changes in normal and pathological aging. Her ongoing studies examine how abnormalities of glucose regulation may play a role in Alzheimer's disease. Her previous studies have documented that adults with Alzheimer's disease show a reduced sensitivity to insulin, the main peptide that promotes glucose utilization.
Further studies in her laboratory have demonstrated that temporarily overriding insulin insensitivity by infusing insulin and glucose results in improved memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Craft's current studies are aimed at elucidating the mechanisms producing insulin facilitation of memory in these patients. In particular, she is examining whether insulin is essential for promoting glucose utilization in brain regions that support memory function, and if so, at what dose does insulin provide optimal facilitation. She is also conducting studies to determine whether longitudinal changes in glucose regulation are associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The results of these studies will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of Alzheimer's disease as a disorder involving mechanisms that affect both body and mind, and hopefully offer new approaches to therapeutic treatment of this devastating disorder.
Related studies examine similar questions in patients adult onset diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder affecting our expanding aged population. These studies will examine the question of whether insulin insensitivity is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes and whether improving insulin sensitivity in this group through diet and exercise produces corresponding improvement in cognitive function.
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