Due to rising rates of obesity, lack of exercise, and an aging population. Type 2 diabetes and Dementia are more prevalent in our society than ever before.
In high-income countries, the number of diabetes deaths declined from 2000 to 2010. But then rose from 2010 to 2016. Resulting in an overall increase in the number of premature deaths since 2000 by 5%. What is particularly worrying is that it is now in the children.
Due to their obesity and inactivity. For many years, people have known that type 2 diabetes increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Recent studies have shown that diabetes can also increase the risk of dementia.
However, it has not been previously studied whether the age of onset of diabetes affects the risk of dementia.
New research on age at onset of diabetes and risk of dementia. A recently published study used an ongoing large cohort study to examine the association between age at onset of diabetes and the development of dementia.
The cohort was established in 1985-88 among 10,308 35-55-year-old employees (33% female, 88% white) in London government departments.
Collect diabetes exposure data at 55, 60, 65, and 70 years old, including fasting blood glucose. Finnish diabetes risk score (Finnish diabetes risk score includes age. Family history of diabetes, personal history of elevated blood sugar, fruit and vegetable intake, blood pressure medication, Physical activity, body mass index, and measured waist circumference) dementia caused by any cause is measured as the main result.
In addition to diabetes, they also checked age, gender, race, smoking, drinking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, high blood pressure, body mass index, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, medication, and Alzheimer’s disease The risk factor gene, apolipoprotein E.
The long-term effects of diabetes on dementia
From 1985 to 2019, 1,710 cases of diabetes and 639 cases of dementia increased and increase. For 1,000 people who are screened each year, the rate of dementia for those without diabetes at 70 is 8.9.
The comparable incidence of dementia in diabetic patients is 10.0 for patients who started 5 years ago. And 13.0 for patients who started 6 to 10 years ago. And 18.3 more than 10 years ago.
These surprising results clearly show that the earlier you develop diabetes, the higher your risk of dementia.
How diabetes can lead to dementia
Years of type 2 diabetes can cause dementia for many reasons. One of the reasons is related to the effect of diabetes on the heart. Because heart health is related to brain health.
Heart disease and high blood pressure are related to stroke, and stroke can cause dementia. However, stroke does not seem to be the complete answer. Because some studies have found that even if the stroke is controll, diabetes can lead to an increased risk of dementia.
Another factor is related to the episodes of hypoglycemia that are common in diabetes.
Although strict control of blood sugar levels has been show to reduce the long-term risk of heart disease and stroke. Strict control can also lead to hypoglycemia, memory loss, and dementia.
In this case, the reason may be that low blood sugar levels are known to damage the hippocampus. The memory center of the brain. One of the most interesting hypotheses is that diabetes directly causes Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, due to the molecular and cellular characteristics shared by diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is even called “type 3 diabetes”.
In other words, although insulin resistance in the body can lead to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance in the brain can lead to plaques and tangles in Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduce your risk of diabetes and dementia
The good news is that you can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and lower your risk of dementia. Discuss with your doctor immediately whether the following lifestyle changes are suitable for you.
Remember, even if you are diagnos with diabetes or prediabetes, these life changes can be very helpful.
- Do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week.
- Eat a Mediterranean-style food menu.
- Maintain a healthy body.
- Treat high blood pressure.
- Treat high cholesterol.
- Do not smoke
Finally, social activities, positive attitudes, learning new things. And music can help your brain work better and reduce the risk of dementia.