Platelets as potential link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for Alzheimer`s disease (AD) development in the elderly. The molecular link between diabetes and AD is still not completely understood. Recent evidence suggests that platelet activation observed in diabetes may contribute to AD development. The present review summarizes the common molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes and AD and suggests novel therapeutic targets for prevention of the onset or slowing the progression of this disease.