Has anyone heard of or had experience with diabetes related dementia? Is there such a thing? My family complains that I am frequently forgetful and confused. I think they might be correct. I’m 58 and have had diabetes for 32 years. I don’t have any history of dementia at this early age in my family. My a1c’s range in the mid to low 6s. Has diabetes finally affected my brain?
I haven’t personally heard of DR dementia but considering everything else we diabetics can get because of our diabetes it could be possible, but maybe it’s something much simpler. Have you been getting enough sleep? Sleep apnea includes some of those symptoms.
How long has this been going on? Could something be missing from your diet? Are you forgetful all the time or just after a hypo or high BG? I can be pretty confused and forgetful if someone tells me something they expect me to remember while I’m low.
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Friend of mine reported confusion after taking Stattin for a heart ailment.
Since I retired, I have increased forgetfulness about my previous work situation and a particular boss I did not like. If I take off my glasses, the cruel world becomes a bit more pleasant to look at. And after the last election, I can report increased confusion on my part.
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Yes, there is a link between diabetes and cognitive decline in various forms, from Alzheimer’s Disease to vascular dementia. See the following article, for example:
Diabetes as a risk factor for dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
Cheng G1, Huang C, Deng H, Wang H.
Author information
Abstract
This study examined the association of diabetes with the onset of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD) and any dementia) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using a quantitative meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles published up to December 2010. All studies that examined the relationship between diabetes and the onset of dementia or MCI were included. Pooled relative risks were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis, and 6184 subjects with diabetes and 38 530 subjects without diabetes were included respectively. All subjects were without dementia or MCI at baseline. The quantitative meta-analysis showed that subjects with diabetes had higher risk for AD (relative risk (RR):1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-1.77), VD (RR: 2.48, 95% CI: 2.08-2.96), any dementia (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.31-1.74) and MCI (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45) than those without. The quantitative meta-analysis showed that diabetes was a risk factor for incident dementia (including AD, VD and any dementia) and MCI.
There is also a 1999 (old) article (http://n.neurology.org/content/53/9/1937)
AND at least one statement form an Alzheimer Association (Canada):
I think one can say it is not a well understood association. I hope it is not of course but I do not think any of us can rule it in or out.
That being said, the causes of Alzheimers in general is not well understood. Diabetes or not, it is difficult to say why anyone person might and another might not. I wish you well no matter.
i heard it was either vascular or high insulin in type 2