Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist, professor of medicine in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at the Minnesota Medical School, answers questions about the effects of type 2 diabetes on memory.
Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and are more likely to develop vascular dementia, a type of memory loss caused by damaged blood vessels and inadequate blood supply to the brain. Furthermore, people with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for mild cognitive impairment and memory impairment, conditions that can sometimes also cause Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not clear why people with diabetes are more likely to have memory loss.
Diabetes is known to damage blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of stroke, and this makes patients more likely to develop vascular dementia. This association may also be related to the body’s resistance to insulin, for people with diabetes, the body does not respond well to insulin, the hormone that moves blood sugar from the blood to the cells. Some experts believe that insulin resistance may also be present in the brains of people with diabetes. People need insulin to keep their brain cells healthy, and insulin resistance can damage brain cells to the point where memory is diminished. In fact, researchers are studying whether a new insulin nasal spray could help prevent dementia.
If you have diabetes, you need to control your blood sugar to protect your blood vessels and prevent complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. But patients won’t want to overdo it; low blood sugar can also damage memory and mental status. Please work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar in a normal range.
Control the risk of cardiovascular disease as well, because heart and vascular disease can also trigger memory loss. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and make sure your cholesterol levels are well controlled.
In addition, remember to stay active. Dr. Seaquist is a strong believer in the health benefits of exercise, and studies of people at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease have shown that exercise can slow down the disease process. You can get at least 30 minutes of walking or other moderate intensity exercise each day.
Lastly, stay in shape. Dr. Seaquist would recommend that overweight people with type 2 diabetes lose weight to a normal weight and stay there. Some studies have shown that obesity in midlife puts people at risk for memory loss in later life. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can prevent diabetes, manage cardiovascular disease and preserve memory. As we age, weight loss through exercise and a balanced diet is a practical approach that can be taken and can improve brain function.