Diabetes Type 2 and Dementia: Adopting These 7 Habits Could potentially Reduce Risk for Affected Individuals
Title: Healthy Lifestyle Habits Can Lower Dementia Risk for Type 2 Diabetics
Grabbing attention, let's dive in! Researchers are still trying to understand the impact of lifestyle factors on dementia risk, but a recent study published in Neurology gets closer to answers, especially for diabetics.
Dementia: A Close - Minded Enemy
Alright, let's get real. Dementia is a disease that slowly steals your memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It can be a living hell, affecting your daily life and independence. It's super common, especially in old folks, and there's no cure yet. But fear not, for there are steps you can take to potentially reduce your risk of developing dementia.
The Darker Side of Diabetes
Diabetes (especially type two) might be the silent accomplice of dementia. But don't fret! With the help of a doc, you can manage your diabetes and stack the odds in your favor. ⚔️
Research is ongoing about how healthy lifestyle changes can benefit both diabetes and dementia. So here's the lowdown on what seems to work, based on a recent study.
Lifestyle Swaps to Lower Dementia Risk
The research bolstered the idea that these seven healthy habits can minimize dementia risk for both diabetics and non-diabetics alike:
1️⃣ Kicking Smoking to the Curb2️⃣ Moderate Booze Consumption3️⃣ Getting Regular Exercise4️⃣ Chowing Down on a Balanced Diet5️⃣ Shut-Eye Matters6️⃣ Less Screen Time7️⃣ Staying Socially Active
Researchers used the U.K. Biobank for data collection, pulling participants aged 60 or older, with and without dementia. They only focused on individuals with type two diabetes, eliminating those with type one.
By evaluating each habit and assigning a healthy/unhealthy score, researchers found that healthy lifestyle factors reduced dementia risk in both groups but more so for those with diabetes. Dr Yingli Lu, Ph.D., of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, shared with Medical News Today:
But Wait, There's More...
Non-study author, Jeroen Mahieu, Ph.D., stressed that the data should be interpreted cautiously. However, the results The study does have limitations, though. Information on lifestyle behaviors was self-reported, making data collection errors possible. The researchers didn't collect data on lifestyle factor changes or pre-diabetes participants before the onset of diabetes. Participants they had to exclude based on missing data were more likely to have lower education and socioeconomic status, impacting the results.
Despite these limitations, the study adds to a growing body of data on the effects of lifestyle choices on health. The researchers believe the findings could have considerable implications for medical professionals treating diabetes patients, who can recommend lifestyle changes for better health and potentially delay or prevent dementia.
In the future, more diverse studies will be needed to confirm the findings and uncover other potential factors. For now, keep those healthy habits rolling, and stay tuned for more exciting dementia research! 🤘🧠
Bonus: Dementia-Fighting Diet and Exercise
If you're curious about the types of diet and exercise that are said to reduce dementia risk, here are some recommendations:
1️⃣ Eating a Balanced Diet, like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats, can improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
2️⃣ Getting Regular Physical Activity helps manage blood sugar levels and improves cardiovascular health—both advantages for reducing dementia risk.
3️⃣ Maintaining a Healthy Weight lessens the risk of dementia associated with obesity, making weight management essential.
4️⃣ Managing Blood Sugar Levels properly through diet, exercise, and medication can help prevent negative diabetes effects on the brain.
5️⃣ Limiting Alcohol Consumption can help stave off cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk.
- In the ongoing quest for understanding dementia, a recent study published in Neurology has shed light on its potential connection with type 2 diabetes.
- Dementia, a disease characterized by memory loss, thinking impairment, and reasoning decline, can be a significant challenge for individuals, impacting daily life and independence.
- Research suggests that both diabetics and non-diabetics can lower their dementia risk by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, reduced screen time, and staying socially active.
- According to a study, individuals with type 2 diabetes who maintain an overall healthy lifestyle have a reduced risk of developing dementia.
- Non-study author Jeroen Mahieu, Ph.D., cautions that the study findings should be interpreted with care due to potential data collection errors and limitations.
- A balanced diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is believed to improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
- Engaging in regular physical activity helps manage blood sugar levels, improves cardiovascular health, and is essential for reducing dementia risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
