The disease that could triple the risk of dementia. What effects it has on the brain, according to a new study
A large study draws attention to the link between type 1 diabetes and dementia, suggesting that people affected by the disease are almost three times more likely to develop cognitive impairment compared to those without diabetes.
Specialists explain this connection through several factors. PHOTO: Shutterstock
The research, carried out on a sample of 283,772 people, shows that 2.6% of patients with type 1 diabetes developed dementia, compared to only 0.6% among those without the condition. Even after adjusting for factors such as age or education, the risk remains significantly higher. A similar trend is seen in type 2 diabetes, where the risk of dementia is roughly double, according to The Independent.
Why does the risk increase?
Specialists explain this connection through several factors. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the disease usually appears at a young age, which means a longer exposure to the effects of blood sugar on the body.
Wide fluctuations in blood sugar, especially episodes of hypoglycemia, can directly affect the brain. Sudden drops in blood sugar put stress on nerve cells, and subsequent rapid increases can exacerbate nerve damage, especially in areas critical to memory, such as the hippocampus.
Another important element is the role of insulin. This is broken down by an enzyme that normally also helps remove beta-amyloid – a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. When insulin levels are high, the enzyme is “busy”, and beta-amyloid can accumulate in the brain, forming plaques that affect cognitive function.
In addition, diabetes affects blood vessels, increasing the risk of vascular dementia, a form caused by poor circulation in the brain.
Results confirmed by other studies
The findings are in line with previous research, including a study in Sweden that indicated a double risk of dementia in patients with type 1 diabetes over a longer follow-up period of 14 years.
There is also good news
Although the data is worrying, experts say the risks can be reduced. Blood sugar control, modern treatments and lifestyle play a key role.
Some drugs, such as Metformin, commonly used in type 2 diabetes, could reduce the risk of dementia by more than 10%, including being studied for its effects on people without diabetes.
Physical activity also has a major impact. Studies show that around 30 minutes of exercise per week can reduce the risk of dementia by around 40%, and a higher level of activity can even lower the risk by up to 70%.
