health matters | Alzheimer ’ s
Lowering blood sugar may reduce Alzheimer ’ s risk
Aging is associated with certain ailments , some of which concern seniors more than others . One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia , particularly in the form of Alzheimer ’ s disease . Though there ’ s no cure for Alzheimer ’ s disease , recent research suggests reducing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk .
Doctors and researchers have determined a link between high blood sugar levels and the formation of dementia , which includes a loss of memory and thinking skills that afflicts millions of older people . A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that , even when diabetes was not evident , there is a correlation between sugar and dementia . A blood sugar level above normal levels ( depending on activity level and weight , among other factors ) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia . Furthermore , a longitudinal study published in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia , which followed 5,189 people over 10 years , found those with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar — whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic .
The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin . Insulin-degrading enzyme , a product of insulin that breaks
down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain , which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer ’ s disease , is a factor in the connection to dementia . Melissa Schilling , a professor at New York University , reviewed studies and found that people who have type 1 diabetes and don ’ t produce enough insulin can ’ t break down the amyloid proteins naturally . Furthermore , those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body . The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down . This doesn ’ t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins . These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated , even if they don ’ t have diabetes yet .
Data published by Harvard Health Publishing indicates “ any incremental increase in blood sugar was associated with an increased risk of dementia .” Individuals who have elevated blood sugar levels , or roughly 100 mg / dL or higher after a fast , can tame sugar levels by exercising , losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains . Individuals also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating , which focuses on fish , olive oil , fruits , vegetables , and beans over a processed carbohydrate- and sugar-laden diet .
High blood sugar is another factor linked to the formation of Alzheimer ’ s disease and other dementias . Making lifestyle changes can keep seniors healthy throughout their golden years . hm
12 Health Matters • Spring 2023