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People with diabetes might have a 65 percent higher risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease. A study took into account how various
cognitive functions might be affected differently in those with
diabetes. The study also provided strong evidence on the importance
of controlling diabetes to stave off vascular problems and reduce
the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers suggested that diabetics keep close watch over their
diabetes by taking oral agents and using relatively painless glucometers
to ensure the blood sugars were at safe levels.
As the number of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s and type
2 diabetes continues to rise, the association between the two has
become more prevalent than ever before. It is estimated that 20
percent of Americans aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with
diabetes, which if left untreated, could lead to many health complications
such as heart problems, kidney problems, cognitive impairment, atherosclerosis
and high cholesterol.
The study used to analyze the association involved 824 subjects
who were observed for approximately 5.5 years, while being administered
periodic neuropsychological testing of cognitive "systems."
These systems included:
- General knowledge
- Working memory
- Perceptual speed
- The ability to identify spatial patterns
Over the course of the study, it was discovered that 151 of the
subjects developed Alzheimer’s, which included 31 who had diabetes.
These numbers represented a 65 percent increase in the risk of
developing Alzheimer’s in the group of those who had diabetes,
compared with the group who did not have the disease.
The study also revealed an apparent decline rate of perceptual
speed in the people with Alzheimer’s and diabetes, compared
to those who had Alzheimer’s but not diabetes. This link was
believed to hold a link to strokes, which has been a common symptom
in people with diabetes.
Archives
of Neurology May, 2004;61(5):661-6
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