Diabetes Type 2 and Dementia: 7 Habits That Could Lower Risk for Sufferers
Better Lifestyle Choices Lower Dementia Risk for Diabetics
Dementia is a scary specter for many, especially those with type 2 diabetes. But new research suggests that adopting certain healthy habits can help keep dementia at bay. A study in Neurology shows that diagonal diabetics who practice good lifestyle choices are less likely to develop dementia, compared to those who don't. Let's dive into the details.
Lifestyle Factors and Dementia Risk
Dementia is a term used to describe a range of disorders that impair memory, thinking, and reasoning. It typically worsens over time and can have a significant impact on people's daily lives.
While some risk factors, like age and family history, can't be altered, others can. Smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and diabetes are all risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. That's where lifestyle changes come in.
Seizing Control with Lifestyle Changes
The study examined the impact of seven healthy lifestyle habits on dementia risk:
- Not smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Regular physical activity
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting adequate sleep
- Less sedentary behavior
- Regular social contact
The data came from the U.K. Biobank, and it focused on participants aged 60 or older who didn't have dementia at the start of the study.
Researchers looked at how these habits benefited both diabetics and those without diabetes. They found that, for diabetics, following these habits was particularly effective in reducing dementia risk.
How Lifestyle Affects Dementia Risk in Diabetics
Study author Dr. Yingli Lu of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China noted to Medical News Today: "Our findings suggest that although patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for dementia compared with those without, adhering to a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce this risk."
This is a significant finding, given that diabetes patients are more likely to develop dementia. But it's essential to remember a few limitations: Data collection was self-reported and didn't account for changes in lifestyle factors or those before diabetes was diagnosed.
Nevertheless, these findings add to a growing body of evidence about the link between lifestyle and health. Dr. Lu explained to MNT: "Our data may have important implications for doctors, medical professionals who treat people with diabetes, and patients. They should consider recommending lifestyle changes to their patients as part of their overall care. Such changes may improve overall health and contribute to the prevention or delayed onset of dementia in people with diabetes."
Key Lifestyle Factors for Lower Dementia Risk in Type 2 Diabetes
Based on the study and related research, the following lifestyle factors appear to reduce the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes:
- Social engagement: Building stronger social connections can help mitigate dementia risk. Health behaviors and psychological factors play a significant role in these associations, highlighting the importance of social engagement and mental well-being for lowering dementia risk.
- Reducing sedentary behavior: Spending less time sitting or lying down is associated with better cognitive outcomes and less brain shrinkage, especially among older adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Physical activity: Increasing physical activity can improve vascular health and brain function, reducing dementia risk.
- Managing vascular risk factors: Controlling obesity, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health is crucial to reducing vascular contributions to dementia.
- Mental health: Addressing psychological factors linked to loneliness can lower dementia risk.
- Genetic risk awareness: High genetic risk, such as carrying the APOE-e4 allele, may benefit even more from lifestyle improvements like reducing social isolation and sedentary behavior.
In short, for people with type 2 diabetes, enhancing social connections, reducing sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity, and managing vascular risk factors collectively contribute to lowering the risk of developing dementia. It's never too late to start making healthier choices!
- For those with type 2 diabetes, maintaining regular physical activity can be beneficial in reducing the risk of dementia.
- The importance of social engagement for people with type 2 diabetes in lowering dementia risk cannot be overstated, as stronger social connections may help mitigate dementia risk.
- A study in 'Neurology' has shown that adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including reducing sedentary behavior, can significantly reduce dementia risk for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Managing vascular risk factors, such as controlling obesity, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health, is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes in reducing vascular contributions to dementia.
- Research also suggests that addressing psychological factors linked to loneliness may help lower dementia risk for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Genetic risk, such as carrying the APOE-e4 allele, may benefit even more from lifestyle improvements like reducing social isolation and sedentary behavior for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it is essential to consider stressing the importance of proper nutrition, fitness, and mental health for people with type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's or dementia risk.
