Health
30 Are You at Risk for By Denise A. Pancyrz “Insulin
resistance could damage brain
cells enough to cause memory loss.”
—Denise A. Pancyrz
Type 3 Diabetes? A
s conditions many of our aging population fear have no answer, dementia and Alzhei-
mer’s disease have long been at the forefront of many health discussions. Over 34.2 million Amer- icans have diabetes, which is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., and more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death. These numbers are particularly relevant as we are now learning that many indi- viduals living with diabetes have presented with brain changes characteristic of both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. One possible reason for this connection is that high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, contributing to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI may precede or accompany Alzheimer’s disease. While much research is still needed, the term “type 3 diabetes” may provide some insight into one area of Alzheimer’s disease.
Type 3 Diabetes Why the term “type 3 diabetes”? This type of di- abetes is linked to the glucose-insulin imbalance. Our brains use sugar and respond to insulin as a function vital in helping to keep our brain cells healthy. Insulin is part of the process associated with learning and long-term memory; therefore, the insulin resistance associated with this type of diabetes could damage brain cells enough to cause memory loss. Early signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
• Forgetting recently learned information. • Challenges in planning or solving problems. • Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as driving to a familiar location.
• Forgetting where you are or how you got there. • Changes in judgment or decision-making, such as less attention to grooming or keeping clean.
SPRING 2021
ESSENTIAL Naples
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