Is Dementia Linked to Diabetes?

Did you know nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes? Most suffer from Type 2, which is the result of poor diet and lack of exercise, while less than 10 percent are born with Type 1. With diabetes, your body is less able to convert sugar to energy. Over time, this chronic disease can cause damage to the internal organs when not properly controlled. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a growing connection between diabetes and impaired brain function. Seniors are at increased risk for dementia when they already suffer from a chronic illness.

The Link Between Diseases

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco have found that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) links diabetes and dementia.

As stated from the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Hypoglycemia commonly occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and may negatively influence cognitive performance. Cognitive impairment in turn can compromise DM management and lead to hypoglycemia.”

When blood glucose drops to dangerous levels, your brain can lack the energy it needs to function properly. In turn, severely low blood sugar can lead to neurological problems like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. High blood sugar also causes inflammation, which can damage brain cells. What can seniors do to prevent this link between diabetes and dementia from affecting them?

Tips to Prevent Diabetes

Early symptoms of diabetes include extreme hunger, fatigue, thirst and high blood sugar. Especially as we get older, it is important to monitor blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels for irregularities. Keep a close eye on these numbers periodically. Other ways to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes include:

• Get regular exercise – physical activity increases insulin sensitivity.
• Maintain a healthy weight – obesity and diabetes are directly linked.
• Make healthy food choices – cut back on sugar and bad carbohydrates.
• Stay hydrated with water – daily consumption of sugary beverages greatly increase risk.

If an aging loved one already has diabetes, a caregiver or family member should be on the lookout for events of confusion or memory loss. When you notice these signs of dementia, contact a doctor right away. Early detection can be better than a sudden discovery.
 
West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility that specializes in memory care for residents with dementia. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and is seeking care in a safe environment, learn more about our admissions process.