Groundbreaking Research Confirms Effectiveness of Intranasal Insulin Delivery for Alzheimer's Treatment

A recent pioneering study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has provided vital evidence supporting the use of intranasal insulin as a targeted treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques, researchers demonstrated that a simple nasal spray can safely and effectively deliver insulin directly to key memory-related regions of the brain in older adults.

Published in
Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, the study employed positron emission tomography (PET) scans to track the distribution of a novel radiotracer, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin. The findings revealed that intranasal insulin reaches 11 critical brain areas associated with memory and cognition, including the hippocampus, olfactory cortex, amygdala, and temporal lobe.

This direct evidence addresses a significant challenge in previous trials, as it confirms that the insulin administered through nasal spray physically reaches its intended brain targets. Suzanne Craft, Ph.D., a professor involved in the research, emphasized that understanding insulin resistance's role in Alzheimer's makes this delivery method particularly promising. She noted that early cognitive decline might influence how insulin uptake occurs, hinting at personalized treatment opportunities.

The study involved 16 older adults averaging 72 years old—seven with normal cognition and nine with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants received the intranasal insulin via a specialized six-spray system, and they described the process as surprisingly easy. Researchers observed increased insulin activity in regions linked to memory, with differences between cognitively normal individuals and those with MCI. Notably, women showed a correlation between insulin uptake and cardiovascular health markers, while elevated brain amyloid levels (ptau217) were associated with reduced absorption.

Importantly, the treatment was well tolerated, with only minor headaches reported by two participants. This validation signifies a major step forward, confirming that intranasal systems can effectively deliver drugs to the brain—a critical advance for developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The research also supports broader strategies targeting metabolic and delivery pathways to combat Alzheimer’s.

The study employed a precision nasal delivery system by Aptar Pharma, which could be adapted for other intranasal neurological therapies. Future research aims to expand these findings by exploring how factors such as vascular health, amyloid build-up, and sex differences impact insulin delivery effectiveness. Overall, these insights open the door for more targeted, accessible treatments for Alzheimer’s, fostering hope for better management of this complex disease.