Study Says Early Diabetes Diagnosis May Raise Dementia Risk

Recent research reveals that getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes early in life could be a ticking clock for dementia risk—especially if you’re under 50. The study, led by the New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing and published in PLoS One, indicates that people diagnosed before 50 face a much higher risk of cognitive decline than those diagnosed later in life.

The risk is even higher for those with obesity, suggesting a strong connection between diabetes, obesity and brain health. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the study’s findings and share tips on what you can do to help lower your risk.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The study analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, using data collected from 1,213 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, all of whom had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but had no signs of dementia at the time of their enrollment. Participants were tracked for up to 14 years, with researchers conducting follow-up telephone interviews to assess the development of dementia.

To track information about diabetes diagnoses, the original researchers asked participants when they were first diagnosed with diabetes by a physician. They also collected self-reported height and weight data from participants in order to assess BMI.

What Did the Study Find?

The researchers discovered that participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 50 were 1.9 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those diagnosed at 70. Those diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 59 were 1.72 times more likely to develop dementia, and those diagnosed between 60 and 69 years were 1.7 times more likely. 

The study found a consistent, graded relationship: for each year younger a person was when diagnosed with diabetes, their risk of developing dementia increased by 1.9%.

“While we do not know for sure why an earlier diabetes diagnosis would increase the risk for dementia, prior studies show that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in mid-life may experience more vascular complications, poor blood sugar control and insulin resistance—all of which are known risk factors for cognitive impairment,” said Bei Wu, the study’s senior author and vice dean for research at NYU Meyers, in a media release.

The study also found that obesity influenced the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia risk. People with both a body mass index (BMI) indicating obesity and a diagnosis of diabetes before age 50 showed the highest risk for dementia in the study. 

Type 2 diabetes is associated with several factors that may contribute to dementia, including poor blood sugar control, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. According to other research published in the World Journal of Diabetes, these factors can lead to vascular complications, which affect the brain’s blood supply and may encourage the buildup of plaque associated with cognitive decline.

How Does This Apply to Real Life?

The good news is that you can support your brain health in plenty of ways, both big and small. Here are some strategies to help mitigate the long-term effects of diabetes on brain health:

• Keep your blood sugar in check. Maintaining blood sugar levels within the recommended range can help prevent complications associated with diabetes, including cognitive decline.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a significant contributing factor to the heightened risk of dementia in people with diabetes. Consider adopting an eating pattern like the Mediterranean diet or the MIND diet, which focus on whole grains, healthy fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. Being physically active helps improve insulin sensitivity, control blood sugar and support your brain health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling.

The Bottom Line

Receiving a diabetes diagnosis before age 50 can nearly double your dementia risk, especially for folks who have an obese BMI. However, by managing your blood sugar effectively, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, you can adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle that reduces your risk of cognitive decline while improving overall health. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about diabetes management and dementia risk, you should speak with your healthcare provider.