Chronic complications of diabetes are most often discussed in the context of physical manifestations. These primarily include blindness, kidney problems, nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, and other “physical” complications. Just think back to the diagnosis and the first warnings doctors gave us, which we absorbed like a sponge: “If you do not take care of your diabetes, you will probably develop (visible) complications.”
But what about the “invisible,” cognitive complications, such as forgetfulness? Does long-term poor blood sugar control affect them as well? This aspect of health in people living with diabetes is often overlooked, even though there is growing evidence of a connection between diabetes and the development of cognitive disorders.
Here we will mention two studies dealing with the link between diabetes and memory problems, as well as alpha-lipoic acid as a tablet supplement that is becoming increasingly popular among people with diabetes.
If this topic interests you, you may also like our article “How to Prevent Cataracts and Protect Your Vision”.
Japanese study and memory problems (dementia)
A Japanese study conducted on one thousand participants aged 60 and older showed that people with diabetes have a higher chance of developing memory problems, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1988, more than 1,000 adults agreed to undergo a glucose tolerance test to determine how well their bodies could process sugar. Researchers then followed them for the next 15 years, during which 232 participants developed dementia. Those who were later diagnosed with diabetes had a 74 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with some form of dementia during the study. The researchers also found that participants who were not classified as diabetic but had impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) were 35 percent more likely to develop dementia.
It was not discovered why diabetes would make someone more susceptible to dementia, but the researchers offered four physiological explanations, including atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and microvascular disease, both of which restrict blood flow to the brain. They also explained that glucose intolerance may increase oxidative stress and metabolic problems in the brain, which may also promote the development of cognitive disorders.
Another study suggesting a link between diabetes and the development of cognitive diseases
Research from the University at Albany, also covered by dementia.net, presents Alzheimer’s disease as a consequence, or late stage, of type 2 diabetes in older age. This happens because of increased insulin production, which ends up in the brain and prevents the breakdown of amyloid plaques. Excess insulin therefore causes accelerated deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain, and these formations are a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
How can the risk of memory problems be reduced?
Adhering to therapy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the first steps we can take to help prevent the development of memory problems. This includes regular exercise or, at the very least, daily movement, a balanced diet, and taking dietary supplements that contain ingredients beneficial for brain health.
Our recommendation is also alpha-lipoic acid, which brings numerous benefits to people with diabetes. Along with its many bioactive functions in people with diabetes, as an antioxidant it affects blood glucose regulation, recycles antioxidants, reduces blood fats, and lowers insulin resistance.
Because of its powerful antioxidant effect, alpha-lipoic acid has been studied for the treatment of nephropathy and neuroinflammation, but it stands out most prominently in reducing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a widespread problem present in one-third of patients living with diabetes.
If this topic interests you, you can also read our article “How Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduced My Leg and Foot Symptoms”.
Author: Noa Klisanin
