Diabetes Type 2 and Dementia: Seven Practices That Might Reduce Risk for Sufferers
Diabetes type 2 individuals might face an increased risk of dementia, but it's not all doom and gloom. Researchers are still figuring out how lifestyle choices can impact this risk. A recent study published in Neurology revealed that people with diabetes may have a lower risk of dementia if they practice certain healthy habits.
Dementia, a chronic condition known for impacting memory, thinking, and reasoning, often gets worse over time. It can significantly affect a person's daily life and independence. While some factors like age and family history can't be changed, other risk factors can be modified. For instance, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol, and diabetes itself increase the risk for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Considering diabetes as a risk factor for dementia, researchers in this study examined how seven healthy lifestyle habits might affect dementia risk. They looked at both diabetics and non-diabetics. These habits included:
- Quitting smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Regular physical activity
- A balanced diet
- Proper sleep
- Less sedentary behavior
- Frequent social interaction
The researchers used data from the UK Biobank, including participants aged 60 or older without dementia at the study's start. They specifically excluded participants with type 1 diabetes to focus on those with type 2.
Participants received a healthy lifestyle score based on their adherence to these behavioral factors. For example, someone was considered physically active if they engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Over 160,000 participants participated in the study, with more than 12,000 having diabetes. The researchers followed the participants for an average of 12 years. They found that healthy lifestyle choices were associated with a lower risk of dementia. As a bonus, this risk reduction was more substantial for individuals with diabetes.
Dr. Yingli Lu, Ph.D., from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China, commented: "Our findings highlight that although patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing dementia, adhering to an overall healthy lifestyle may greatly reduce this risk."
Jeroen Mahieu, Ph.D., an Alzheimer's researcher, added: "The most important finding of this study is that adhering to a healthy lifestyle substantially reduces the risk of developing dementia for diabetes patients; significantly more than when you do not have diabetes. However, we should be cautious with interpreting these effects as causal."
Key limitations of this study include self-reported lifestyle data and lack of information about lifestyle factor changes over time. The study also didn't collect data about lifestyle factors before diabetes diagnosis. Additionally, the team acknowledged that they may have misclassified some participants with diabetes or prediabetes as healthy.
In conclusion, integrating healthy lifestyle habits might help decrease the risk of dementia, particularly for individuals with diabetes. A well-rounded approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, social connections, adequate sleep, and heart-healthy habits can significantly lower the risk of dementia. Further research is needed to better understand the connection between lifestyle choices and cognitive outcomes in diabetes and the underlying mechanisms.
- The study revealed that people with type 2 diabetes may have a lower risk of developing dementia if they adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
- Dementia, a chronic disease affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning, can significantly impact a person's daily life and independence.
- Researchers found that adhering to a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of dementia for individuals with diabetes, even more so than for those without diabetes.
- The study focused on type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for dementia, and examined the impact of seven healthy habits, including balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and moderate alcohol consumption.
- The study used data from the UK Biobank and participants were given a healthy lifestyle score based on their adherence to these behavioral factors.
- The study's findings suggest that a holistic approach that includes mental health, nutrition, fitness, and exercise, in addition to lifestyle habits like quitting smoking and frequent social interaction, can lower the risk of dementia.
- The study had some limitations, such as the use of self-reported lifestyle data and the lack of data about lifestyle changes over time.
- Further research is needed to better understand the connection between lifestyle choices and cognitive outcomes in diabetes, as well as the underlying mechanisms.
