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Diabetes Linked to 65% Increased Risk of Alzheimer's
posted 05/26/04
"We found that diabetes was related to decline in some
cognitive systems but not in others."
Findings from a new study indicate that patients with diabetes mellitus are 65
percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than are people without
diabetes.
The results support several recent reports that have linked the two diseases. In
contrast, in some earlier studies, researchers were unable to show an
association.
According to lead author Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis, from Rush University Medical
Center in Chicago, what sets the current study apart from its predecessors is
its forward-looking design and the rigorous method of assessing mental, or
cognitive, function.
Arvanitakis said that: "Surprisingly few...studies have examined the
relationship of diabetes to Alzheimer's disease." Also, unlike previous studies,
a detailed battery of neuropsychological tests was used to examine changes in
five cognitive abilities, she added.
As reported in the Archives of Neurology, the researchers assessed the outcomes
of 824 older Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers who participated in the
Religious Orders Study. All of the subjects were Alzheimer's-free and 127 had
diabetes mellitus at the start of the study.
During an average follow-up period of 5.5 years, 151 subjects developed
Alzheimer's disease, the authors note. As noted, the presence of diabetes raised
the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 65 percent.
In terms of cognitive abilities, only a decline in perceptual speed was
associated with diabetes. "This was an interesting finding--it helps us
understand some subtle issues that may help us shed light on the mechanisms"
linking diabetes with Alzheimer's disease, Arvanitakis said.
Further answers may come with additional follow-up of the present cohort, she
said. In addition, "all participants in the Religious Orders Study have agreed
to brain donation at the time of death, which will allow us" to gain deeper
insight into the association.
Source: Diabetes In Control.com: Archives of Neurology, May 2004.
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