Diabetes and Dementia – Is there a link?
What does type II diabetes and dementia have in common? Well, both conditions develop with the age. However, interestingly scientists have put forward a theory which links the prevalence of dementia in the presence of obesity (during the middle age) and diabetes (in later life).
Diabetes and Dementia
diabetes dementia
Furthermore, studies done on animals have shown that reduction of neuronal insulin receptors give rise to similar
conditions seen in Alzheimer’s disease due to neuro-degeneration. So it seems that we have a pretty strong case to say that there indeed exists a connection between diabetes and dementia.
Another study suggests that type II diabetes could be a main risk factor for Alzheimer’s diseases and vascular dementia. If the person also suffers from cardiovascular disease together with diabetes, then it’s double trouble as the risk factor for Alzheimer’s may be very high.
You may wonder how scientists have been able to conclude as such. Isn’t it a normal phase in aging to have deficit memory? Well, the answer is no. We tend to believe that losing memory is a part of aging because the prevalence in society is very high. However, in most cases, there is a cognitive and/or biological reason(s) behind it.
In order to work through diabetes and dementia and determine the causes and possible treatments, practitioners use a laboratory dementia work-up where a complete blood sample, metabolic profile, rapid plasma regain, thyroid function tests, B12 and folate serum levels are tested. After this phase, any reversible condition will be immediately treated. If the case is related to diabetes, the best method is to control blood sugar levels through healthy diet which are low in glycemic index and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is a common belief among scientists that elevated blood sugar levels contribute to diabetes and dementia but the exact body mechanics to support this notion is yet to be discovered!
Tags:Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes, diabetes and dementia, glycemic index