Study: Diabetes Linked to Cognitive Decline - Causes of Diabetic Mental Problems

Study: Diabetes Linked to Cognitive Decline
By Alice Park Monday, Jan. 05, 2009
Time.com

Diabetes can take a toll on the body, taxing the heart, circulation, the kidneys and even the eyes. Now it's becoming clear that the disease may affect the brain as well, contributing to a decline in mental functioning.

Studies have shown that diabetes may speed up aging-related deficits in mental function and lead to a twofold increase in the risk of dementia. Some researchers have speculated that diabetes could even boost the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Roger Dixon, a psychologist at the University of Alberta in Canada, wanted to learn whether this was true and set out to study exactly how uncontrolled blood sugar affected the brain.

Please visit the website to view the entire article.

2009 Time Inc. All rights reserved