Studies Suggest a Connection Between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s

 

Studies have suggested a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection.  Moreover, while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.   

One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline.  However, we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.   

Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the damage caused by the other.   With new research, experts hope to get a better understanding of the connection between the two diseases.  “That link may occur as a result of the complex ways that type 2 diabetes affects the ability of the brain and other body tissues to use sugar (glucose) and respond to insulin.”

We also know that diabetes increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may eventually lead to full blown dementia.  In addition, MCI can also appear years earlier in people who later are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  

If you are looking for an exceptional senior living community, MorningStar of Happy Valley encourages you to visit our website for more information about our loving home. Along with 61 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 secure suites dedicated to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living community in Happy Valley, OR.     

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987