Developing diabetes in middle age inflates risk of Alzheimer's as a senior

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Developing diabetes in middle age inflates risk of Alzheimer's as a senior
February 02, 2009
McKnight's Long Term Care News & AssistedLiving

Diabetics, including those who become diagnosed in middle age, have more than double the risk of acquiring Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia later in life, new research shows.

"Our results highlighted the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle during adulthood in order to reduce the risk of dementia late in life," said Dr. Margaret Gatz, director of the Study of Dementia in Swedish Twins.

Those who got diabetes before the age of 65 were 125% more likely to acquire Alzheimer's, Gatz said. Study results were published in last month's issue of the American Diabetes Association journal Diabetes.