How does type 2 diabetes affect memory?

Many studies show that dementia and diabetes are intersinging. Type 2 diabetics are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. So how does this disease affect memory?

1. Related concepts of diabetes and dementia

Memory decline due to old age is different from Alzheimer's disease or degeneration due to other chronic diseases. Many recent studies show an association between high blood glucose levels (diabetes) and Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, which occur when the pancreas reduces the production of insulin hormones that control blood glucose. There are 2 types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (the body has antibodies against insulin-producing cells in the pancreas) and type 2 diabetes (the pancreas reduces insulin production, does not control blood glucose, can have a long-term effect on the brain).

Memory deterioration is a normal phenomenon in old age. Common manifestations are forgetting names, misalning objects,… These symptoms do not affect daily life. The more severe symptoms of dementia include:

  • Forget common words;
  • Repeat questions with the same content;
  • Or lost, not remembering the way;
  • Erratic mood changes.

2. Dementia in type 2 diabetics

Neurological complications of diabetes are quite common. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. They are also at increased risk for dementia – dementia due to vascular damage and poor blood flow to the brain. Besides, they are more likely to suffer from mild impaired perception, suffering from memory problems,… However, it is unclear why diabetics are at increased risk for dementia.

Diabetes damages blood vessels, increases the risk of stroke. This makes patients more susceptible to dementia. The link between the effects of diabetes on memory is also associated with insulin resistance. In diabetics, the body does not use insulin hormones well – hormones that move from the blood into the cells. Some scientists claim that diabetics may suffer from insulin resistance in the brain. Humans need insulin to ensure healthy brain cells. Insulin resistance can damage brain cells, causing memory loss.

memory loss and diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of Alzheimer's

3. Tips for diabetics

Diabetics need to have good control over blood sugar levels to protect blood vessels, prevent complications such as neurological damage, kidney disease and vision impairment. However, you need to pay attention not to reduce excessive sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are too low can also harm memory and nerves. Therefore, patients need to talk to their doctor about ensuring that blood sugar levels are kept at a stable level.

Diabetics should also pay attention to stay away from factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because heart and vascular problems can lead to memory decline. You should monitor your blood pressure, make sure your cholesterol levels are well controlled.

At the same time, the person should maintain a habit of movement. You can get many health benefits thanks to your exercise routine. Some studies of people at risk of Alzheimer's disease show that exercising can slow the progress of the disease. Therefore, patients should try to walk for at least 30 minutes a day or exercise at moderate intensity.

Finally, you need to control your body weight. Patients with type 2 diabetes need to lose weight and maintain a reasonable body weight. Some studies show that obesity in middle age puts people at risk of dementia later on. Meanwhile, just reducing your body weight by 5-10% will help you prevent diabetes, control risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and avoid the risk of memory loss. You can lose weight through exercise, diet changes,…

Memory deterioration in diabetics can be completely controlled if the patient pays attention to maintaining a stable body weight and blood glucose levels.

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Source: webmd.com

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About: Minh Quynh

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&d=identicon&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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