As a caregiver, you understand the unpredictable nature that comes with caring for your aging loved ones. With a demanding lifestyle and full agenda, family caregivers often lack the time to become properly trained in how to handle certain medical issues. However, it is crucial to become familiar with the risks associated with the leading disease in older generations: heart disease. Recent studies have suggested a link between heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, one of the risk factors—Type 2 diabetes mellitus, or DM2—has been proven to triple the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, there is evidence that suggests targeting heart disease and diabetes risk factors can help prevent cognitive decline.

There is ongoing research to discover the link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Several factors other than heart disease are involved with the connection, including high blood glucose levels and abnormal insulin. High blood glucose levels have potentially toxic effects on the brain, leading to an increased chance of developing a brain disease. The high levels lead to the formation of excess free radicals, which ultimately leads to cell damage. Additionally, insulin abnormalities play a significant role in brain metabolism, learning and memory. Disturbances in the insulin signaling pathways to the brain may contribute to cognitive decline like that of Alzheimer’s.

Discovering a solution to this dilemma is not easy. The most imperative details to know are how to prevent your loved one from developing DM2. Basic ways of achieving this are through daily exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and receiving regular screenings for diabetes. The most effective way to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s is by preventing the risk of diabetes and understanding the symptoms. While an aging parent’s cognitive decline cannot be entirely avoided, following these steps may greatly decrease the severity of the regression.

Check out the latest expert to join our site - Dr. Mindy of LightBridge.  Read her full article on the link between Alzheimer’s & Diabetes.  She’s also written another article on the link between cardiovascular health & Alzheimer’s disease.

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Health & Safety, Research