Brain Insulin Signaling

The role of age, peripheral insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction on brain insulin signaling in humans

Project Content:

Insulin resistance is a hallmark feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and more recently, disturbances in brain insulin action were observed in brain aging and dementia.
Hence, in the current project, we investigate, together with the department of internal medicine IV and the department of neurology at the university clinic Tübingen, the relationship between insulin resistance and cognitive function. For this purpose, we recruit peripherally insulin resistant adults (high risk for to develop diabetes) and individuals with high risk to develop mild-cognitive impairment and dementia between 50-75 years of age. Additionally, age-matched healthy controls are recuited. Hence, the impact of age, peripheral insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction can be assessed on brain insulin-resistance.
Brain insulin action is evaluated using functional magnetic resonance imaging in response to intranasal insulin, a method to selectively investigate central insulin action. We will analyze insulin-induced cerebral blood flow changes and functional connectivity alterations between young and older adults and between peripheral insulin sensitive and resistant adults. Peripheral metabolism, body composition and cognitive functions are additionally assessed.

Project Supervisor:

{:en}Stephanie Kullmann{:}{:de}Stephanie Kullmann{:}

Project Website:




