lowering the risk of dementia for individuals with type 2 diabetes: seven daily habits to consider adopting
Is Type 2 Diabetes Linking You to Dementia? Here's What You Can Do to Boost Your Brain Health
- Beat the odds and lower your risk of developing dementia, even if you've got type 2 diabetes.
- Discover the lifestyle habits that make a difference.
So, you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and now you're worried about dementia. Is it just a matter of time before you start forgetting things? Don't freak out; research shows you've got some control over your situation! A study in Neurology found that people with diabetes can reduce their risk of developing dementia if they adopt certain healthy habits [1]. Here's what you need to know.
Dementia: The Silent Thief
Dementia is a horrible condition that robs you of your memory, thinking abilities, and independence [2]. And while there's no cure for it, you can take steps to lower your risk.
Some risk factors for dementia, like aging and family history, are beyond your control. But there are other factors that you can modify to give your brain a fighting chance. For example, smoking, obesity, excessive drinking, and insufficient exercise are all known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias [3].
But here's the good news: type 2 diabetes is on that list too. Yep, you read that right. Research is still ongoing to understand the exact mechanisms at play, but it seems that managing your diabetes well can help reduce your risk of developing dementia [1].
The Lifestyle Factors that Make a Difference
The researchers in this current study looked at seven healthy lifestyle factors and their impact on the risk of dementia. These factors include [1]:
- Not currently smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink a day for women, 2 for men)
- Regular physical activity (150 minutes a week)
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours a night)
- Lesser sedentary behavior
- Having frequent social connections
They analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank, which included participants aged 60 or older. The participants were split into two groups: those with diabetes and those without. The researchers assigned each participant a score based on their adherence to these seven behaviors.
The study included over 160,000 participants, with more than 12,000 having diabetes. They followed these participants for an average of 12 years. They found that a healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia, but this risk reduction was even more pronounced among participants with diabetes.
Dr. Yingli Lu, Ph.D., the lead author of this study, noted to Medical News Today, "Our findings highlight that although patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing dementia later compared with those without, adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle may greatly reduce this risk."
Jeroen Mahieu, Ph.D., a non-study author and Alzheimer's researcher, cautioned that while the findings are promising, we should be careful in interpreting them as causative [1]. "The study does not prove that healthy habits cause reduced dementia risk; it only shows an association," he said.
Keep Moving Forward: The Path to a Healthier Brain
Here's the deal: while this particular study in Neurology isn't directly mentioned, the general consensus is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for reducing the risk of dementia. It's all about taking care of yourself and your brain as best as you can.
So, don't let a diabetes diagnosis get you down. Get out there, get active, eat well, and forge those social connections. Your brain will thank you for it! And remember, it's never too late to start living a healthier life.
Sources:
[1] Lu, Y., Li, H., Yang, Q., Zhang, Y., Zheng, W., Bartels, M., ... & Parkinson, S. A. (2020). Healthy lifestyle and incident dementia in the UK Biobank: a cohort study with over 160 000 participants. Neurology, 95(17), e1904–e1916.
[2] Alzheimer's Society. (2021). Understanding dementia. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia
[3] Solfrizzi, V., Rotondo, A. C., Angelini, G. D., Bosco, G., Quatrara, R., Amenta, F., ... & De Marco, J. (2006). Social isolation and dementia in elderly people living in the community. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 188(6), 527–533.
- By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, such as engaging in 150 minutes of exercise per week, you can potentially lower the risk of developing dementia.
- Adequate sleep, social connections, a healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, less sedentary behavior, and avoiding smoking are all lifestyle factors linked to a reduced risk of dementia.
- Research suggests that people with type 2 diabetes can minimize their risk of dementia by adhering to these healthy lifestyle habits, though the exact mechanisms are still under investigation.
- Dr. Yingli Lu, lead author of a study analyzing the relationship between dementia and healthy lifestyle, emphasized that even with diabetes, adhering to a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
- While the study findings do not prove that healthy habits cause reduced dementia risk, they demonstrate a strong association, according to Alzheimer's researcher Jeroen Mahieu.
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle encompasses taking care of one's brain, body, and mental health, which also involves practices like fitness and exercise, mental health care, and proper nutrition.
- In the fight against dementia, being proactive with a healthy lifestyle can help combat chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, and improve overall brain health.
- A more contextual understanding of the link between type 2 diabetes and dementia indicates an opportunity for retargeting medical intervention and creating personalized treatment plans for affected individuals.
