Aging often comes with its own set of unique challenges, including a decline in cognitive abilities. In some cases, these changes can lead to memory impairments, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. As these cognitive conditions progress, it may become challenging or even unsafe for individuals to live alone.
Supporting a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is never easy, particularly for inexperienced caregivers. Additionally, many people with memory challenges also have diabetes, raising questions about a possible link between the two.
In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and we’ll share practical tips to help you support someone you care about.
What Are Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
As we age, our brains naturally undergo changes. These changes may affect a person’s cognitive abilities, leading to memory issues.
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with cognitive decline. While these symptoms can look different from person to person, some common signs may include loss of memory, confusion, and changes in mood or behavior.
There are several types of dementia. The most well-known is Alzheimer’s disease, but others include vascular dementia (which can follow a stroke), Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Short-term memory loss is a possible early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, a person may struggle to recognize familiar faces or lose the ability to complete everyday tasks on their own. In some cases, individuals may also become anxious or withdraw from others.
While there’s currently no cure for dementia, catching symptoms early may allow families to explore support services and treatment options that can help slow the disease and improve their loved one’s quality of life.
What Is Diabetes
Our bodies use a hormone called insulin to convert glucose into energy. Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of this hormone or use it properly, resulting in high blood sugar.
There are several well-known types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes usually occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, leading to a buildup of sugar in the blood. People with Type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin every day to help manage their blood sugar levels. This illness is not caused by lifestyle or age factors, and there’s currently no known way to prevent it.
Type 2 Diabetes: With Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin but doesn’t use it properly. This is sometimes called insulin resistance. Over time, insulin resistance may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors, although family history and age may also play a role. This type of diabetes is usually managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and, sometimes, medication or insulin to help control blood sugar levels.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes tends to happen during pregnancy and usually goes away on its own after the baby is born. Still, it must be carefully managed to help prevent possible complications for both the mother and baby. Women who have gestational diabetes may also be at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Type 3 Diabetes: Some studies suggest a possible link between Alzheimer’s disease and insulin resistance in the brain. This has led to some people using the term “Type 3 diabetes” to describe Alzheimer’s. While the two conditions may have a lot in common, the term is not recognized by the medical community or major health groups like the American Diabetes Association.
The Link Between Diabetes and Cognitive Decline
One reason for the possible link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s is that the two share some key risk factors, including high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and long-term inflammation — all of which can damage blood vessels, including the ones in the brain. Over time, this can affect how well the brain functions and may lead to memory problems.
A recent study revealed that insulin resistance and other metabolic problems associated with diabetes may contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. These findings may also indicate a potential link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
How Diabetes Increases the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Some research studies suggest that people with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing cognitive problems as they age. However, it does not necessarily mean someone with diabetes will go on to develop dementia.
Let’s take a closer look at how diabetes can increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s:
- Vascular Damage: Many studies have found that high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, including those inside the brain. Over time, this damage can reduce blood flow to the brain and may increase the risk of memory problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress happens when there are too many harmful molecules called free radicals in the body. The body normally has a defense system to balance out these free radicals. But as we age, our bodies may become less able to fight off this damage. This may lead to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease and inflammation — both of which are possible risk factors for diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
- Insulin Resistance: Some research findings suggest that cognitive decline may be linked to insulin resistance in the brain, which could point to a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Other studies also show that high blood sugar levels may damage the hippocampus — a part of the brain responsible for organizing and storing information.
Preventative Measures and Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle, genetics, and natural limitations of aging may all contribute to a wide range of health challenges, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s. However, there are some proactive steps which may help to lower the risk, including:
Eating a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet has many wonderful benefits, including lowering the risk of age-related conditions. As such, it’s important for seniors to prioritize a healthy diet consisting of vitamins and minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for the immune system and support healthy heart and brain function, which may help reduce the risk of many health problems, including diabetes and dementia. Healthy fats, found in nuts, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for maintaining a healthy brain.
It may be a good idea to limit the intake of processed carbs and saturated fats, particularly if you or someone you care about has diabetes and Alzheimer’s. They often have little nutritional value and may even worsen existing health conditions.
Staying Active
Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of regular physical and mental activity for healthy aging. Exercising regularly can have many benefits, such as boosting cardiovascular health and improving insulin sensitivity. Try to encourage your loved one to engage in low-impact exercises, including light resistance training, gentle stretching, yoga, or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Keeping the brain sharp and active may also help lower the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Older adults can keep their minds sharp and healthy by pursuing hobbies and interests, learning new things about topics they’re passionate about, or even playing brain-healthy games like puzzles and Sudoku.
Weight Management
Obesity is a well-known risk factor for a wide range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that maintaining a healthy weight may help lower the risk of both diabetes and Alzheimer’s. If someone you love is living with obesity, it’s a good idea to talk with their doctor. They can recommend appropriate lifestyle or dietary adjustments and safe ways to exercise.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels may sometimes be an early sign of diabetes. However, most older adults are not diagnosed until the later stages of the disease. As we age, it becomes even more important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly, particularly for individuals with certain risk factors like a family history of diabetes, being overweight, or having cardiovascular conditions. Keeping an eye on your loved one’s levels can help catch potential problems before complications develop.
Management Strategies for Loved Ones and How You Can Help
Supporting an aging parent with both dementia and diabetes can be a stressful and frustrating experience.
Here are a few practical tips to help show your best love and support:
- Regular Medical Check-Ups: Regular health checks are especially important for older adults living with conditions like type 2 diabetes. It’s a good idea to schedule routine checkups and monitor your loved one’s vitals, including blood sugar levels. Your doctor may also refer you to helpful specialists, endocrinologists, or neurologists. If your loved one has diabetes, regular cognitive assessments can also be useful, as diabetes may increase the risk of memory-related conditions.
- Medication Management: If someone you care for is taking medication, it’s important that they take the prescribed doses consistently to help manage blood sugar levels and lower the risk of complications. Try keeping an up-to-date list of all your family members’ medications, especially if they’re seeing different doctors or managing more than one condition. Watch for any side effects or frequent or unexplained changes in your loved one’s mood and behavior. If something doesn’t seem right or a medication isn’t working as expected, it’s always a good idea to let your doctor know.
- Lifestyle and Emotional Support: Sometimes, doctors or specialists like dietitians may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms of health conditions like diabetes. These changes can be challenging, both for you and your loved one, so it’s important to stay patient and supportive. You may help them by preparing healthy meals in advance to meet their nutritional requirements, encouraging gentle physical exercises, and joining them in brain-healthy activities, like puzzles or reading.
- Leveraging Community Resources: Many services, resources, and programs are available to support both you and your loved one. These may include online forums, social media groups, educational programs, or workshops where you can connect with other family caregivers. Additionally, there’s a wide range of support options available, including in-home care services, respite care, and adult day programs, which can help meet your loved one’s needs while you rest or attend to other responsibilities.
How Senior Living Communities Can Help
If you’re finding it difficult to meet your loved one’s needs at home, it may be time to seek out additional support options, such as senior living communities.
Here’s how these communities may benefit someone you love:
- Access to Professional Health Care: Some senior living services offer dedicated medical support. Doctors, registered nurses, and therapists may collaborate to provide comprehensive care plans for residents with various health conditions, including diabetes and dementia. They may help monitor blood sugar levels, assist with medication management, and provide specialized assistance to people with memory conditions.
- Structured Nutritional Support: Residents in senior living communities enjoy healthy, well-balanced meals, often prepared by professional chefs. Some services may assist residents with feeding, provide special diets to manage blood sugar levels, and help manage health conditions such as diabetes and dementia.
- Social and Cognitive Engagement: Social interaction has been shown to reduce stress and slow cognitive decline. Most senior living services usually provide social activities like fitness classes, book clubs, and game nights. Many also offer brain-stimulating options, including arts and crafts, music lessons, and more to help residents keep their minds sharp and healthy.
- Memory Care Programs: Memory care communities are specially designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory challenges, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These communities often feature thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, secure entrances, and safe outdoor areas where residents can move around comfortably. Professionally trained caregivers are usually available to provide 24/7 supervision, along with assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs). Many communities also offer brain-healthy activities and programs to help slow down the symptoms of cognitive decline.
- Personalized Care Plans: Some senior living services can tailor support based on each person’s unique health, lifestyle, and personal care needs. This is especially helpful for individuals living with both diabetes and dementia. Typically, caregivers will monitor changes in your loved one’s condition and adjust care plans as needed to ensure they continue receiving the right level of support.
StoryPoint Group Communities: Here for You and Your Loved One
At StoryPoint Group communities, we treat your loved one like family. We believe that each resident’s journey is unique, which is why we always take the time to truly understand each person’s specific needs—so we can tailor the best possible experience for them. If someone you love could benefit from support with diabetes and Alzheimer’s, or another type of assistance, we’re here to help guide you.
To learn more about life with us, give us a call today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour at your nearest StoryPoint Group community.
