Diabetes is a physical condition that we usually do not associate with mental health problems. When you have diabetes, the condition can affect your entire body – and this includes your brain. Over time, damage dealt to the brain, along with the accumulation of specific proteins, can lead to the development of dementia symptoms. It’s important to understand diabetes and dementia connections and find ways to prevent this from happening. We’ll take a closer look at research on this topic and how improving your diabetes management program can reduce this risk.
The Impact Of Diabetes On The Brain
Diabetes is associated with high blood sugar, a problem that can damage different parts of your body. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious complications, as the damage can make it harder for organs to function properly. One of the organs that can be affected by diabetes and the damaging effects it causes is the brain. This particular organ is responsible for our consciousness – allowing us to think, process information, recall memories, and much more.
In the long run, diabetes can cause several changes to occur in the brain. The hippocampus, cerebral cortex, frontal and temporal lobes, precuneus, and amygdala can all be damaged due to the effects of diabetes. As high glucose levels circulate through the brain, it can cause atrophy and changes to the organ’s white matter. It’s also possible to experience a lower density in grey matter and a reduction in brain cells. Furthermore, it has been found that diabetes can eventually cause a decrease in brain volume.
In terms of how diabetes leads to dementia, several pathways and factors come into play. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause problems for the brain. When blood glucose levels are high over a long period, it results in inflammation – which can affect the brain. The damage that hyperglycemia causes to blood vessels also reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients transported to the brain. Another thing to consider is the fact that diabetes sometimes causes possibly toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain – and these proteins can also have damaging effects on the brain’s tissue and cells.
In one study, researchers considered the connection between diabetes and dementia. Following the research conducted, it was found that people who have diabetes may up to 250% more likely to develop dementia compared to someone who does not have the condition. Another important note in this research paper is the fact that scientists did not only link diabetes to dementia but also a greater risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia
If you have diabetes, then it’s a good idea to ensure you know how to recognize symptoms related to dementia. It’s often a slow-progressing condition, so the symptoms may be very mild at first. If you fail to attend to dementia during the earlier stages, however, then it can become a much more severe problem in your life.
Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms that dementia causes. In most cases, however, the one affected is not the first to notice it. You may forget the names of people you recently met or have difficulty remembering what you must buy at the grocery store when you arrive there. This is not, however, the only symptom you may experience if you have dementia.
Other symptoms and signs that can manifest include:
- You may have trouble communicating effectively or recalling the right words during a conversation.
- Your ability to plan ahead and keep things organized may start to decline.
- Problems with your motor functions can develop, affecting your coordination.
- Spatial and visual problems can make you get lost easily.
- Problem-solving skills can also decline.
People with dementia will often also notice changes in their psychological well-being and state. Personality changes are not uncommon in individuals who are affected by dementia. You may also start to develop depression if you do not have this mental condition before. Paranoia can develop, along with hallucinations that make you see or hear things that aren’t there. Anxiety is another issue that people with dementia experience, which can sometimes be triggered by difficulty remembering things or as they notice a decline in their cognitive function.
Age is one of the most important factors that contribute to the risk of dementia. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. This risk further increases if you have diabetes. A family history also raises the risk of dementia, as well as Down syndrome.
With this said, some risk factors are manageable and can be changed. Your diet and exercise significantly impact your diabetes management. If you adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly, blood glucose levels improve, which can help to reduce the damage that diabetes does to your brain. Diabetes can also be properly managed by strictly adhering to your treatment plan and ensuring you take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Certain nutritional deficiencies have also been linked to a higher risk of dementia. Thus, make sure your diet includes a well-balanced range of nutrients. Focus on vitamins B12 and B6 and vitamin D and folate. When you want to increase your intake of these vitamins, you can easily introduce healthy foods into your diet, or consider using a high-quality multivitamin if your levels are very low, as this can help to restore an optimal nutritional balance faster.
Bottom Line
Dementia is relatively common among older individuals and can lead to confusion, memory problems, and more. Addressing risk factors that could result in dementia earlier in life can help to prevent or delay the onset of the condition. Diabetes is one of the conditions that can make you more likely to develop dementia, which is why it’s so important to ensure you regularly check your glucose levels and talk to your healthcare provider if your treatment plan does not seem to be working effectively.