Diabetes Raises Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Alzheimer’s Disease destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking. we are discussing how diabetes raised Alzheimer's disease riask.
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Karan EmeryOct 08, 20233.5K Shares253.3K Views
Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are two distressing, but increasingly common, diseases seen in our aging population. At some point in the future, they may well overwhelm the healthcare system.
Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes are linked physically as well as fiscally. A study published in the August 25, 2010, edition of the medical journal Neurology suggests that type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance raise the risk of developing the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
As many as 5.3 million Americans are thought to have Alzheimer’s disease. The disease destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.
The current study analyzed brain samples taken from 135 adult Japanese subjects (74 men and 61 women) autopsied between 1998 and 2003. In 1988, the subjects had undergone a glucose tolerance test and been tested for other diabetes-related factors, including fasting glucose, two-hour post-load plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Higher levels of two-hour post-load plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance were all associated with increased risk for neuritic plaques found on autopsy, says the report. After adjusting for risk factors including age, sex, blood pressure, total cholesterol, body mass index, smoking, regular exercise, and cerebrovascular disease, researchers found that those with the highest blood glucose levels were six times more likely to develop plaques.
However, there was no relationship between diabetes-related factors and neurofibrillary tangles, another feature commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. Plaques and tangles are thought by many to be the two main causes of the destruction of brain cells seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
The study subjects were also tested for the presence of a gene implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (ApoE4), to see if it affected the association between diabetes risk factors and the development of plaques. The researchers found that those with the ApoE4 gene had the strongest association between high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and fasting insulin levels and the development of plaques.
The study’s findings are likely applicable to people with both type 2 and type 1 diabetes, and possibly to those with pre-diabetes as well. While type 2 diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications can potentially be avoided with regular physical activity and weight maintenance, preventing or controlling diabetes might also contribute to decreasing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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