Will diabetes increase the risk of dementia?
We know that diabetes is a chronic disease condition that can trigger other health complications if left untreated. With the buildup of high sugar levels in the blood, small blood vessels are at the risk of damage. This causes complications to eyes, ears, foot,, etc.
As per a recent study from Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australian people who have type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop dementia. Also, women are at risk more than men.
What is dementia?
Before explaining the connection between diabetes and dementia, let us understand what dementia is. The term ‘dementia’ is an overall term referring to diseases caused because of abnormal changes in the brain. These changes can directly cause a decline in memory, thinking ability, etc. Alzheimer’s is the prime cause of it.
The prime reason for vascular dementia is the blockage in blood vessels or microscopic bleeding. The symptoms may develop gradually only and can get worse if not diagnosed and treated early.
The symptoms of dementia are sometimes,
- Short-term memory loss
- Not able to track where your most used belongings are
- Forgetting to pay bills.
But the symptoms can vary from person to person.
Diabetes and dementia
How diabetes is linked to dementia or Alzheimers?
Diabetes can be a reason for vascular dementia. The increased glucose or sugar level in the blood can cause blockage in the blood vessels. Thus, blocking or reducing the blood flow to the brain. Type 2 diabetes triggers several health complications.
Some other researches also show that diabetes can increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment, which can later turn into dementia. It firstly impairs the thinking ability and memory as we see as common aging problems.
How to reduce the risk?
If you are a diabetic person, then to avoid going into the clutches of dementia, you must strictly plan to manage your glucose level. As we know the best diabetes management can be through diet and exercise. Following a strict diet plan and performing best exercises for diabetes can reduce the risk.
Cankado e-health applications can be your perfect diabetes management partner. The most important aspect of managing any disease is treatment adherence and a telemedicine application serves the best use. Know more about the features here.
Originally published at https://diabetes.cankado.com on August 20, 2020.
