Is Diabetes connected to Alzheimer’s Risk?
Recent studies indicate there is a link between Alzheimer's and Diabetes. Did you know that diabetes can have serious effects on your brain health? Here are some important facts to consider:
- Diabetes and Brain Damage: Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of strokes and memory loss. Over time, this damage can lead to more severe issues, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. High blood sugar levels, if not managed, can cause significant harm to the brain’s blood vessels, leading to cognitive decline and vascular dementia(CDC www.heart.org ).
- Shared Risk Factors: Diabetes is closely linked to other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. These cardiovascular problems not only increase the risk of diabetes but also heighten the risk of dementia. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks and protect brain health.
- Insulin Resistance in the Brain: Both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease can cause the brain's nerve cells to become resistant to insulin. This resistance can lead to a buildup of harmful proteins that may eventually cause cell death, contributing to the development of dementia.
- Insulin and Acetylcholine: Low insulin levels and insulin resistance can also reduce levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. This biochemical link further strengthens the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease(CDC ).
Given these connections, some experts have begun to refer to Alzheimer's as "Type 3 Diabetes." While research is ongoing, taking steps to manage diabetes and maintain overall health may be one of the best ways to protect your brain and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Debbie Compton
I am an author, speaker, caregiver, and Grammy. The latter is by far the most fun! Having been a primary caregiver 3x, I realized so many lessons were learned too late to benefit my Dad who passed of Parkinson's Disease. I resolved to write a book to make life easier and safer for other caregivers that would get them ideas, inspiration, and lessons learned. It's called "Caregiving: How To Hold On While Letting Go" available on Amazon. I am a Certified Caregiver Consultant and Advocate as well as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Assoc. and Founder of The PurpleVine LLC
