Compositions and methods for treating alzheimer`s disease and related disorders and promoting a healthy nervous system

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to methods of inhibiting the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and related neurodegenerative disorders involving amyloidosis. The methods involve administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of D-pinitol to individuals who are at risk of developing the disease or have one or more symptoms of the disease. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease or MCI that involve the use of such compositions. The invention further provides methods to promote the general health of the nervous system through administration of active ingredient compositions. The invention further relates to animal and cellular systems for the study of AD, MCI, and related disorders, and the identification of reagents useful in treating amyloidosis. The invention further provides methods to inhibit AD or MCI in an individual based on reducing caloric intake by the individual. The invention further relates to a method of treating or inhibiting an amyloidogenic disorder by caloric restriction.

1 - 77 . (canceled) 
     
     
         78 . A method of ameliorating a symptom of cognitive impairment, which method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising D-pinitol to an individual suffering from cognitive impairment. 
     
     
         79 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the symptom of cognitive impairment comprises a learning or memory deficit. 
     
     
         80 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the cognitive impairment is mild cognitive impairment. 
     
     
         81 . The method of claim  1 , which further comprises a reduction in the caloric intake by the individual. 
     
     
         82 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the reduction comprises a reduction in the intake of carbohydrates. 
     
     
         83 . The method of claim  1 , wherein said individual has been identified as being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. 
     
     
         84 . The method of claim  6 , wherein said individual has been identified as being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to the presence of mild cognitive impairment. 
     
     
         85 . The method of claim  6 , wherein said individual has been identified as being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to the presence of at least one ε4 allele or the absence of an ε2 allele at the apolipoprotein E locus. 
     
     
         86 . The method of claim  6 , wherein said individual is provided with D-pinitol in an amount and for a sufficient period of time to ameliorate a symptom of Alzheimer's disease. 
     
     
         87 . The method of claim  6 , wherein said individual has been identified as being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to a genetic factor. 
     
     
         88 . The method of claim  6 , wherein said individual has been identified as being at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to family history. 
     
     
         89 . The method of claim  1 , wherein said individual is provided with D-pinitol in an amount and for a sufficient period of time to achieve a concentration of D-pinitol in blood or plasma of about 1 to 19 μM. 
     
     
         90 . The method of claim  1 , wherein said D-pinitol is provided at a daily dose of over 10 mg/kg. 
     
     
         91 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the composition is administered orally. 
     
     
         92 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the individual has a symptom of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). 
     
     
         93 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the cognitive impairment is associated with β-amyloid accumulation.