Your Dementia Risk May Be Increased

If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s, dementia might feel like a distant concern, something you associate with advanced age. However, emerging research suggests that a common chronic condition, type 2 diabetes, may significantly increase your risk of developing dementia.

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“People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia. Research also indicates that the risk of dementia increases with the longer duration of diabetes,” says Amy Kimberlain, M.S., RDN, CDCES, a certified diabetes care and education specialist and Academy media spokesperson. With more than 38 million Americans living with diabetes, understanding the connection and risk is essential.

What’s the Link Between Dementia and Type 2 Diabetes? 

Research has found that there’s a connection between type 2 diabetes and increased risk of dementia. Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This condition results from various diseases and injuries that damage the brain over time. What’s especially concerning is that type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals. Research suggests that those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age may also develop dementia earlier in life.

Having type 2 diabetes has been associated with a 50% greater likelihood of all-cause dementia, says Susan Hudec, M.D., director of diabetes at Edward Elmhurst Hospitals and Endeavor Health. She explains that the connection is due to different factors, such as the following. 

Both our experts point out that people with type 2 diabetes often have other health concerns that also increase dementia risk. “People with diabetes are often more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. These are risk factors that overlap with dementia”, says Kimberlain. For this reason it's important to keep diabetes well managed to minimize the risk of developing diabetes. 

High Blood Sugar Levels

People with type 2 diabetes may toggle between high and low blood sugar levels. “Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain,” explains Kimberlain. She notes that this damage can disrupt the brain's blood supply, leading to vascular dementia. Additionally, it may cause the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease, adds Kimberlain.

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How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes to Prevent Dementia

• Monitor your blood sugar levels closely: One of the best indicators of how well type 2 diabetes is managed is by looking at your blood sugar levels.
• Get regular check-ups: Routine check-ins with your doctor can help determine if medicine adjustments are needed and monitor your lab values, blood pressure and weight, all of which impact diabetes and brain health.
• Make exercise a part of your daily routine: Regular, consistent exercise can help keep blood sugar numbers in check and reduce inflammation.
• Keep stress at bay: Although we can’t get rid of stress altogether, research suggests finding ways to manage it can improve diabetes self-care and positively impact blood sugar levels.9 (9) Whether you find stress relief through exercise, yoga, meditation or calling a friend, these activities can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eating well-balanced meals can help manage type 2 diabetes and support brain health. Ensure you have a fiber-rich carb, protein and healthy fat on your plate to keep blood sugar stable.