Alzheimer’s and Diabetes: What’s the Connection?
Diabetes can do more than affect blood sugar — it may also raise your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Learn how the two are linked and what you can do to protect your brain health.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Slowed Down: What Current Science Tells Us
Alzheimer’s disease affects at least six million people in the United States, most of them over 65 years old. While researchers haven’t yet found a cure, science is uncovering ways to slow the disease’s progression and help patients maintain independence for longer.
At the office of Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we want patients and caregivers to understand what today’s research tells us and what options are available.
If you or a loved one develops memory loss, confusion, or changes in thinking, don’t wait to seek help. Timely diagnosis allows for earlier treatment, better planning, and more time to benefit from breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common condition leading to dementia, gradually damaging memory, thinking, and behavior. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, scientists believe a mix of factors plays a role, including:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
Alzheimer’s is linked to the build-up of abnormal proteins inside the brain. One type, called amyloid, forms sticky plaques between nerve cells, while another, called tau, creates tangles inside the cells.
These changes disrupt how brain cells communicate and eventually cause the cells to die. Over time, brain tissue shrinks, especially in areas that control memory and reasoning.
For people living with Alzheimer’s, the effects go beyond forgetfulness. Early signs may include difficulty finding words, repeating questions, or misplacing items.
As the disease progresses, people may struggle with planning, recognizing loved ones, or managing everyday tasks. Emotional changes such as anxiety, confusion, or personality shifts are also common.
Can anything slow Alzheimer’s disease down?
Although we can’t stop Alzheimer’s entirely, certain treatments and lifestyle strategies may slow its progression. The goal is to preserve memory, independence, and quality of life for as long as possible.
Alzheimer’s therapy falls into several categories, each targeting different parts of the disease process:
Symptomatic therapies
Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine improve communication between nerve cells. This helps with memory and thinking.
The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine regulates brain activity and can reduce symptoms even in moderate-to-severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Disease-modifying therapies
Monoclonal antibodies such as lecanemab, donanemab, and aducanumab are newer treatments targeting the amyloid plaques typical of brains with Alzheimer’s. These drugs are still under study but offer hope for slowing disease progression.
Anti-tau therapies aim to prevent tangles of tau protein inside neurons. These are still in trials but show promise.
Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents
Researchers are studying drugs that reduce brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction to see if they can protect neurons. Examples include antioxidants, certain diabetes medications, and repurposed drugs such as statins.
Emerging strategies
Gene therapy and stem cell treatments that repair or replace damaged brain cells aren’t available yet, but are one of the most exciting areas in Alzheimer’s disease research.
To sum up, today’s approved medications mainly ease symptoms, while newer antibody drugs aim to slow disease progression. Research is rapidly expanding, with the hope of more effective and lasting treatments in the near future.
It might sound disappointing to hear that you can’t access every potential treatment right now. However, clinical trials that test new drugs and therapies are often available, providing patients with opportunities to access these cutting-edge new therapies.
Supportive care
Managing Alzheimer’s isn’t just about medications. Supportive therapies that improve daily living and reduce stress include:
- Cognitive stimulation therapy to strengthen memory and problem-solving
- Occupational therapy for assistance in maintaining independence
- Support groups for both patient and caregiver emotional well-being
We’ll determine which of the available treatments is right for you, based on your stage of disease and overall health.
The role of lifestyle in slowing Alzheimer’s disease
Science shows that brain health is closely tied to overall health. While lifestyle choices don’t necessarily prevent Alzheimer’s, they do support brain function and slow cognitive decline. Helpful strategies include:
- Staying physically active with regular exercise
- Managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol)
- Keeping the brain engaged through reading, puzzles, and learning new skills
- Maintaining strong social connections
Targeted nutritional approaches like the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet could also be beneficial.
With medications, lifestyle strategies, and supportive therapies, many patients live fulfilling lives for years after their diagnosis.
At the office of Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we’re committed to guiding patients and families through every stage of the Alzheimer’s journey with compassion, expertise, and the latest evidence-based care. Call for further information, or get in touch by completing the online form.
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