Possible link found between diabetes and Alzheimer’s
Jun 10, 2015, 6:00 AM | Updated: 9:26 am
PHOENIX — Doctors have discovered a possible link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
New studies show people with Type 2 diabetes have a lower level of cognitive function. It is the result of the frequent insulin changes on brain cells. Researchers believe that could lead to significant brain disease later in life.
“So if you have Type 2 diabetes, it could indicate that down the road you may develop Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Elliot Mufson, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Laboratory at Barrow Neurological Institute, said.
Mufson warns people who have diabetes or are prone to developing the disease should take extra caution and closely monitor their insulin levels.
“The best thing is to take care of yourself,” he said. “Take your insulin, take your medicines and try to stay on top of it for as long as you can.”
More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and it ranks as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States according the National Institute on Aging.
