The idea that insulin performs in the brain was nixed for years. Insulin is known for its body actions. It regulates the cells' consumption of the full-packed sugar glucose. But now evidence suggests that insulin does pack punches in the brain.
Studies indicate that one of the hormone's brain roles involves memory.
Advances could lead to benefits for those with memory problems, such as Alzheimer's patients. Insulin roams the body with a mission. It helps feed the energizing sugar, glucose, to cells in the tissues and muscles. Now an increasing amount of evidence suggests that the hormone's territory also includes the brain. Some say it aids memory, among other functions.