Diabetes & Alzheimer's: Is There a Link?

There are many different types of diabetes. Diabetes is generally defined as diminished production of insulin or a reduced or resistance to the effects of insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in the human body to maintain the sugar, or glucose, levels in the blood. Now there is research being done to see if there is a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

According to reporter Catherine Guthrie, when the brain prevents insulin from acting correctly, the chemical imbalance may help trigger the Alzheimer's disease. This insulin is produced by the brain. Insulin is used by the brain to learn and produce new memories. New memory formation is one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease and insulin initiates the process for new memory formation. Alzheimer patient's brains are known to have lower insulin levels or insulin resistant. Guthrie reports the disease has been coined as Type-3 diabetes. There has been debate about disease within the diabetes community. Alzheimer's disease is a complication of diabetes, but not necessarily a form of diabetes. Both diseases share similar traits and risk factors.

Diabetics have a higher risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. Weight gain and Type-2 diabetes may trigger the changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease, states Guthrie. Losing weight will not guarantee against getting this disease. Weight loss or controlling diabetes may help keep aging brain cells active a bit longer. It is suggested weight gain triggers insulin resistance. Insulin transports sugar to the cells. When cells do not get enough sugar then Type-2 diabetes may occur and brain cells may malfunction or die. These dying brain cells may be the start of Alzheimer's disease.

Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain. Weight gain can affect the insulin resistance. Thus, it's vital for those with diabetes risks or a diabetic diagnosis to take their diet very seriously. This can lead to Type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. People with Type-2 diabetes have an increased chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. Insulin resistance causes a protein called beta amyloid to build up and damage brain cells and connections. This causes memory loss and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

There is research being done for the cure of Alzheimer's disease. However, the best recommendation is prevention or slowing it down. By staying as healthy as you can, you can try to reduce your risk of getting the disease altogether. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is a great way to stay ahead of the disease.