Diabetes Can Significantly Increase the Risk of Developing Dementia

A new study conducted at the Kyushu University in Fukuoka Japan has shown that people suffering from diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The study was conducted from 1988 to 2003, and was recently published in the journal Neurology.

Dr. Yutaka Kiyohara, the author of the study, looked at more than 1,000 people in Japan and found that 27 percent of those studied developed some form of dementia as opposed to only 20 percent who had normal blood sugar levels.

The study followed men and women aged 60 and older, who were given an initial glucose test to determine their blood sugar levels. The subjects were then followed over a period of 11 years, during which time 232 developed some form of dementia, either Alzheimers or another form. According to Dr. Kiyohara, "We have clearly demonstrated that diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of dementia, especially of Alzheimer's disease in [the] general public."

Previous studies had been conducted, but this latest Japanese study confirms findings due to its size and duration. Diabetes has reached epidemic levels in North America due to the increasing levels of obesity. If left unchecked, diabetes can cause many types of health problems, in addition to dementia, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and even death.

More research is needed to determine why diabetes increases the risk of dementia; the connection has been established, and now researchers need to figure out how the two interact with one another.

The experts at Age Matters memory and aging clinic in Toronto can help you deal with a loved one suffering from dementia. We are here to answer all your questions and help devise a plan to deal with memory loss and other forms of dementia.

For more information, fill out our contact form, or call 647.268.0620.