Having diabetes in one may increase risk of developing Alzheimer`s disease, suggesting one problem could be the cause of the other, researchers say. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death. In other words this is a Progressive mental deterioration occurring in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.
Being able to forget is a blessing …..
Neurologist R Scott Turner from the Georgetown University enrolled people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease into a country-wide study in the US last year.
Turner was shocked many study participants were found to have pre-diabetes. His study examined resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes and red wine, to see if it might change glucose levels in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer`s disease (AD).
Turner said resveratrol is act on proteins in the brain in a way that mimics effects of a low-calorie diet.
“We know that caloric restriction prevents diseases of ageing such as diabetes and Alzheimer`s,” said Turner.
“On the other side, diabetes increases risk of AD. So improve the glucose tolerance, to prevent or delay both diabetes and Alzheimer’s,” said Turner.
Participants were first given a fasting glucose tolerance test to obtain a baseline level, and after eating they retested. During digestion, the blood sugar level increases, but the pancreas produces insulin to lower it.
A high sugar level after two hours reveals glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) or diabetes if the level is very high.
“The number of people with glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes) was much higher than expected. I was surprised by how many people didn`t know they were pre-diabetic, and these are individuals who already get the best medical care,” said Turner.
“How does glucose intolerance or diabetes lead to AD? Does the inflammation associated with AD trigger glucose intolerance? Or do both events create a vicious cycle of Alzheimer`s and glucose intolerance?” asked Turner.
Turner said while a glucose tolerance test is not typically ordered by neurologists, “this result suggests that perhaps we should test all our patients with early Alzheimer`s.”