Diabetes and cognition

Clin Geriatr Med. 2015 Feb;31(1):101-15, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2014.08.021. Epub 2014 Nov 15.

Abstract

Dementia is a major cause of disability and death among older adults. Those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are 50-100% more likely to develop dementia than those without T2D, but it is unknown whether this association reflects a causal relationship. Proposed mechanisms through which T2D could cause dementia include the effects of insulin dysregulation and chronic hyperglycemia on features of Alzheimer's disease and macrovascular and microvascular disorders in the brain. More research is needed to elucidate the link between T2D and dementia and identify strategies to maintain cognitive function among people with T2D.

Keywords: Aging; Cognition; Cognitive decline; Dementia; Epidemiology; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Dementia / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / pathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors