Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

12/08/2024

People with type 2 diabetes face a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. A study by Umeå University in Sweden suggests this may be due to their reduced ability to eliminate beta-amyloids—proteins linked to Alzheimer's—from the brain.

Researchers found that after inducing high blood sugar levels, healthy participants showed a sharp drop in beta-amyloids and a rise in amyloid-degrading enzymes. However, these changes were absent in those with type 2 diabetes, indicating a potential reason for their increased Alzheimer's risk.

The findings highlight the importance of managing blood sugar levels to potentially reduce this risk. Further research could pave the way for new treatments.