Type 2 Diabetes and the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Type 2 diabetes is a common metabolic disorder that, in addition to causing cardiovascular, kidney, and eye problems, also has a profound impact on the brain. Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes are 50–70% more likely than healthy individuals to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Early onset of diabetes (for example, around age 60) increases the risk by up to 77%, and even a history of less than 5 years of diabetes raises the risk of dementia by about 30%.
Main mechanisms linking diabetes and Alzheimer’s:
Insulin resistance in the brain: Leads to impaired neuron function, memory, and learning. Alzheimer’s is sometimes called “Type 3 diabetes.”
Chronic inflammation and vascular damage: High blood sugar causes long-term inflammation and destruction of brain blood vessels.
Brain volume loss: MRI studies show faster brain shrinkage in diabetic patients, especially in the hippocampus.
Molecular similarities: Insulin resistance promotes the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
Strategies to reduce risk:
Careful blood sugar control and avoiding severe fluctuations
Healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats like omega-3) while limiting sugar and simple carbohydrates
Regular physical activity (aerobic and strength training)
Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
Mental and social activities to strengthen brain resilience
Type 2 diabetes, in addition to its metabolic complications, increases the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. With proper disease management and lifestyle changes, this risk can be reduced, improving quality of life.
(All recommendations should be followed under the supervision of a treating physician.)

 

Compiled by: Parmida Babaei (Expert, Education and Training Department)
References:
Cao F. et al., 2024 – Type 2 diabetes and dementia risk (PMC11092065)
Keck School of Medicine of USC – Diabetes and Alzheimer’s link
Athanasaki A. et al., 2022 – Diabetes and Alzheimer’s: Review & Meta-analysis, Biomedicines
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Journal, 2024 – Duration of diabetes and dementia risk
Time Magazine – Diabetes ages brain by two years
Alzheimer’s Society UK – Diabetes and dementia risk reduction
EatingWell – Link between dementia and type 2 diabetes

/End of message

Charity Foundation of Special Disease

@cffsd