So, research has been pretty clear about the connection between diabetes and poor cognitive functioning. In fact, dementia has been dubbed the type 3 diabetes! The inability to properly process glucose in the body (aka diabetes) ultimately leads to reduced cognitive functioning, which translates into dementia as the years pass.
Recent research, though, has linked a key enzyme (BACE1) to diabetes in a surprising way. When science talk gets heavy it’s hard for the rest of us to really be surprised by any of it, because what is BACE1 anyway? Well, the reason it is shocking is that BACE1 has always been known as the Alzheimer’s enzyme; the precursor enzyme to Alzheimer’s Disease.
So let’s break down this new research in a way that helps us understand why it’s important in our community. Let’s also see how we can help heal ourselves without waiting for (or filling our bodies with) approved medication to combat this enzyme.
BACE1 and Diabetes
In an article published in Diabetologia in 2016 researchers injected mice with BACE1 to observe what exactly might happen. They found that the mice had raised glucose levels, glucose intolerance, altered levels of hormones and lipids, an inability to store glucose and a reduced metabolism of glucose in the brain.
Sound familiar?
All of the outcomes were virtually identical to those of diabetes! What researchers concluded was that though this was exciting to find (because a deeper understanding of such a pervasive and destructive disease is always great), they also acknowledged that much more research on the topic was needed.
BACE1 and Alzheimer’s
The study that linked BACE1 to diabetes is exciting enough, but the long-standing relationship between the enzyme and Alzheimer’s Disease is what takes it up a notch. BACE1 is notoriously known for causing the production of amyloid protein in the brain, which results in the degenerative disease that significantly reduces brain functioning.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and it is impossible to prevent it, outright. Because of its difficulties in treatment and prevention the disease understandably has tons of investigative research behind it. As such, BACE1 inhibitors are currently on trial as a treatment for Alzheimer’s in hopes to stop the destruction in its path and to help the body better regulate glucose metabolism in the brain.
Reduced BACE1 to Regulate Glucose
Once scientists understood the critical link between BACE1 and Alzheimer’s they sought out more information on the connection. In a string of studies and trials they ultimately found that the lack of BACE1 in participants significantly reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s and obesity. When they saw this significant finding (as in, the link was so strong that it was in no way a coincidence), they concluded that BACE1 is indeed responsible for much of the brain’s glucose metabolism and regulation.
Researchers now know, for certain, that with BACE1 patients are more likely to develop diabetes and Alzheimer’s, though they don’t know which is more likely to appear first or how one might influence the other.
4 Natural BACE1 Inhibitors
Funding is flooding studies that explore BACE1 inhibitors as treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and disease associated with BACE1. Some professionals, however, argue that waiting for this medication isn’t necessary. Dr. Zhang explains that Chinese medicine has been treating these diseases for centuries with some simple plant-based medicines.
So why can’t we use them, as well, to help our bodies inhibit the BACE1 enzyme?
- Panax notoginseng is traditionally used to aid learning and memory. When studied for its effects on BACE1, however, it was found that BACE1 activity was reduced by a whopping 80%!
- Phellinus linteus was identified as a natural BACE1 inhibitor in studies for dementia treatment.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra was identified as a natural BACE1 inhibitor and improved memory and neuro-behavioral activities in the subjects with Alzheimer’s. In fact, it is currently the strongest natural product to reduce BACE1 activity.
- Monascus purpureus is more commonly known for its serious cholesterol lowering effects but has since been shown to improve memory and learning in subjects with Alzheimer’s as well as decrease the effects of BACE1.
Perhaps Alzheimer’s Disease is not your medical issue but the science behind BACE1 enzyme and glucose regulation—whether it comes from Alzheimer’s studies or studies about diabetes—makes it hard to ignore. These natural remedies may be of serious help if you have the BACE1 enzyme, and will support glucose regulation, brain functioning, and improved memory if not!
[expand title=”References“]
Biochemical Journal. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Proceedings of the Physiological Society. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Discovery Medicine. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Neural Regeneration Research. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Diabetologia. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
NHS Choices. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Journal of Diabetes Science & Technology. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
Journal of Diabetes Investigation. URL Link. Accessed January 23, 2017.
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