Journal article
A randomized controlled trial of high-dose vitamin D2 followed by intranasal insulin in Alzheimer's disease
MS Stein, SC Scherer, KS Ladd, LC Harrison
Journal of Alzheimer S Disease | Published : 2011
Abstract
Poor vitamin D nutrition is linked with dementia, but vitamin D has not been tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nasal insulin acutely improves cognition and vitamin D upregulates insulin receptor expression and enhances insulin action. In an RCT we examined the effect of high-dose vitamin D followed by nasal insulin on memory and disability in mild-moderate AD. 63 community-dwelling individuals aged > 60 were recruited; 32 with mild-moderate disease (Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE score 12-24) met entry criteria and were randomized. All took low-dose vitamin D (1000IU/day) throughout. After run-in (8 weeks), they were randomized to additi..
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Funding Acknowledgements
MrEric Huggins (Chairman), Dr Peter Habersberger (Medical Director) and Trustees of The Shepherd Foundation for generous funding and enthusiastic support; Dr Mal Eutick (Pharmalab) for advice on insulin diluent; Alex Kelly (Pharmalab), David Chadwick (Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi P/L) for preparation and packaging of diluent; Richard Oppenheim, Hung Truong (Cardinal Health) for capsule manufacture; Professor Serge Gaultier, McGill University for permission to use DAD; A/Prof Ian Gordon, Statistical Consulting Centre, University of Melbourne for randomization and statistical analyses; Lynn Mather, Alzheimer's Australia Victoria, Lynne Scott and Elizabeth Fraser for recruitment; Monika Meehan for pharmacy; Vee Lyn Tan, Susan Edwards, Zoe Ellis, Caroline Francis, Jennie Barnett, Bianca Dudfield and Shinay Mackey for occupational therapy; Kate Frencham and Lucy Smith for neuropsychological assessment; Rhiannon Jones and Karen Harris for administrative assistance; Maria Bisignano, Cecilia Hsieh, Max Goodwin and Maraed Harrop for biochemical analyses. LCH is National Health and Medical Research Council Australia Senior Principal Research Fellow and is funded by a Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Support Grant.