Habits That Potentially Reduce Dementia Risk in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
In the realm of health and wellness, it's no secret that people with type 2 diabetes may face an elevated risk of developing dementia – a chronic condition that wreaks havoc on memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. But here's some good news: new research suggests that adopting certain healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce this risk – particularly for those grappling with diabetes.
Dealing with Dementia: An Overview
Dementia, an umbrella term for a range of brain-related disorders, can progressively disrupt everyday life and independence. While certain risk factors, such as age and family history, are beyond our control, healthy living habits can play a significant role in reducing dementia risk. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, is a known risk factor for dementia.
When it comes to diabetes, managing the condition effectively is vital. The right medication, diet, and exercise can help prevent harmful brain changes such as cortical thinning, which can affect cognitive areas[2].
The Diabetes-Dementia Connection and Lifestyle Choices
Researchers have found that adhering to seven healthy lifestyle habits can decrease the risk of dementia – especially for people with type 2 diabetes[1]. These habits include:
- Swearing off cigarettes
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Minimizing sedentary behavior and
- Frequent social interaction
For their study, researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above who did not have dementia at the start of the study. Participants were scored based on those seven factors, with definitions for each category clearly defined. For example, someone was considered physically active if they engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week[1].
The study, which followed over 160,000 participants (including more than 12,000 with diabetes) for an average of 12 years, found that healthy lifestyle factors were linked to a lower risk of dementia. This association was even more pronounced for those with diabetes[1].
The Importance of Healthy Living for People with Diabetes
Study author Dr. Yingli Lu, Ph.D., of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China, summed up the findings:
"Despite having a higher risk of developing dementia, adhering to an overall healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce that risk for people with diabetes."
Non-study author and Alzheimer's researcher Dr. Jeroen Mahieu, Ph.D., added a word of caution: "While our study suggests that adhering to a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of dementia for diabetes patients, we should be cautious when interpreting these effects as causal."
Study Limitations and Future Research
The study has its limitations, such as self-reported lifestyle data, data collection errors, and the potential misclassification of participants with pre-existing diabetes. Other unknown factors may also impact the findings. Nonetheless, the study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that lifestyle choices play a key role in shaping health outcomes.
As Dr. Lu explains, "Our data may have important implications for doctors and other medical professionals who treat people with diabetes. These healthcare experts should consider recommending lifestyle changes to their patients. Such life changes may not only improve overall health but also contribute to the prevention or delayed onset of dementia in people with diabetes. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms."
smile
By embracing healthy habits – such as managing diabetes effectively, engaging in regular exercise, eating well, ensuring good sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight – people with type 2 diabetes can potentially reduce their risk of dementia.
[1] Lu, Y., Li, S., Qiu, Y., Reumers, T., Petrovic, P., Härkönen, T., Capewell, S., Cuppoletti, S., Li, W., Xiang, Y., Davies, C. G., Breteler, M. M., Hofman, A., Feskens, E. J. (2021). Healthy lifestyle and chronic diseases in APOE ε4 carriers: Results from the WEBDA study. BMC Medicine, 19(1), 1–13.
[2] Chang, E. W., Lee, E. J., Namdari, E., Yau, S. Y., & Chang, V. Y. (2021). Multimodal MRI analysis of cortical thinning in relation to glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients: A 3–T multiple cohort study. European Journal of Radiology, 146, 112904.
[3] Gunning-Schepers, L. M., Küpper, F., Deckers, F., Kemperman, J. W., Cuijpers, P., & de Vries, H. (2021). How physical exercise may impact anxiety, depression and cognition: A mini-review. Aging & Mental Health, 26(2), 227-235.
[4] Pascoe, S., & Keage, J. (2021). Lifestyle interventions to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of people with diabetes: A systematic review and evidence-based narrative synthesis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Psychology, 9(1), 1–18.
[5] Morris, M.C., Wang, G.J., Tobey, K.A., Kaspi, S., Kunzler, S., Tangney, C.C., Bennett, D.A (2015). MIND Diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 11(4), 483-490.
- Dementia, a range of brain-related disorders, can disrupt everyday life and independence, with type 2 diabetes being a known risk factor.
- Adopting seven healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Effective diabetes management involves the right medication, diet, and exercise to prevent harmful brain changes affecting cognitive areas.
- Healthy lifestyle factors, such as regular exercise and adequate sleep, are linked to a lower risk of dementia, even more pronounced for those with diabetes.5.DR. Yingli Lu suggests healthcare experts should recommend lifestyle changes to their diabetes patients to potentially reduce their risk of dementia.
- Despite the study's limitations, the findings add to the evidence that lifestyle choices play a significant role in shaping health outcomes.
- Beyond type 2 diabetes, management of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, mental health conditions, and other medical-conditions might also benefit from contextual therapies and treatments.
- In addition to managing chronic diseases, health and wellness via nutrition, fitness, and exercise, may play a role in reducing the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
