When most people think about Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, they picture two very different health problems, one affecting the brain, the other the body’s ability to control blood sugar. However, research shows the two are more connected than you might expect, with diabetes increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 59%.
At Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we believe understanding this link is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and better long-term care.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It causes progressive memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking, behavior, and personality. Over time, it affects a person’s ability to manage daily activities independently.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks cells in your pancreas that produce insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). In both cases, poor blood sugar control can severely damage organs, nerves, and blood vessels over time.
While these conditions may seem unrelated, scientists have discovered important overlaps.
Your brain relies on a consistent supply of glucose (sugar) for energy. Insulin helps brain cells use glucose efficiently, but if there’s insulin resistance, the cells don’t respond properly to insulin. This can limit the brain’s access to the energy it needs to function well. Over time, poorly managed blood sugar can lead to:
Reduced blood flow results in less oxygen and nutrients reaching brain cells.
Chronic inflammation can harm brain tissue and speed up cognitive decline.
Similar to cholesterol plaques in arteries, the brain can develop harmful protein deposits linked to Alzheimer’s.
Some researchers use the term type 3 diabetes to describe Alzheimer’s disease in people with insulin resistance in the brain. While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, it highlights the idea that problems with insulin signaling may contribute to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s.
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s share several risk factors, including:
The risk of type 2 diabetes and dementia increases as you get older.
Genetics play a role in diabetes and dementia.
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are risk factors for both diseases.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol can impact blood flow to the brain and affect overall brain health.
Addressing these risk factors early helps protect both your brain and your body.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to pay attention to signs of memory or thinking changes, such as:
Not every memory lapse means Alzheimer’s, but it’s worth discussing any instances with your doctor, especially if symptoms worsen over time.
Managing diabetes well can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline. Some key strategies include:
Work with your healthcare team to set goals and monitor your progress.
The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diets, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, support better brain health.
Physical exercise boosts blood flow to your brain and supports nerve cell growth.
Puzzles, reading, social interaction, and learning new skills keep the brain engaged.
Sleep helps the brain clear waste products, including harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s.
Healthy circulation is essential for brain function.
Having diabetes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop Alzheimer’s, but it does increase the risk. Understanding the connection means you can take steps now to protect your brain through healthy habits, medical care, and early screening.
We work closely with patients who have diabetes and are concerned about memory or cognitive changes. We provide:
Assessments include memory testing, neurological exams, and imaging, if needed.
We offer tailored recommendations for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
We coordinate with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to optimize blood sugar control.
We provide education for patients and families so they can better understand and manage Alzheimer’s symptoms if they arise.
At Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we’re committed to helping patients safeguard their cognitive health, whether that means preventing Alzheimer’s, slowing its progression, or supporting those already living with the condition. If you have diabetes and concerns about memory changes, call us, or use the online inquiry form to get in touch.
