CHICAGO: Alzheimer’s and diabetes are two diseases that are becoming more and more widespread, even though they are very different from one another.
Now however, researchers think they could have a common link.
Type 2 diabetes cases are on the rise, in part because of the huge increase in obesity – a major risk factor for the condition. Alzheimer’s cases are increasing, in large part because of the huge Baby Boom generation getting older. Age is a major risk factor for that illness.
A study found a strong association between insulin resistance and memory function decline, which is a dominant symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.
In May, researchers at Washington University at St. Louis reached a similar conclusion. They found that elevated sugar levels in the blood, which is a halmark of diabetes, can increase levels of amyloid beta, which shows up in brain plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.