Is Alzheimer's really Type 2 Diabetes?

Original article posted on Alzheimers.net, click this link for the full article: http://www.alzheimers.net/2013-12-04/why-alzheimers-might-be-type-2-diabetes/

The Correlation Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

A new study done by researchers at Albany University in New York shows that Alzheimer’s Disease may be the late stages of type 2 diabetes. People who have type 2 diabetes produce extra insulin. That insulin can get into the brain, disrupting brain chemistry and leading toxic proteins that poison brain cells to form. The protein that forms in both Alzheimer’s patients and people with type 2 diabetes is the same protein. Researcher Edward McNay at Albany University said, “People who develop diabetes have to realize this is about more than controlling their weight or diet. It’s also the first step on the road to cognitive decline. At first they won’t be able to keep up with their kids playing games, but in 30 years’ time they may not even recognize them.”

Past Links Between Alzheimer’s and Diabetes

In the past few years, the connection between the two diseases has grown stronger with each relevant study. People who develop type 2 diabetes often experience a sharp decline in cognitive function and almost 70% of them ultimately develop Alzheimer’s Disease. A few weeks ago a study was completed showing that Alzheimer’s Disease may actually be a third and new type of diabetes.  The results of the two studies actually reinforce the idea that Alzheimer’s and diabetes are linked and that our diet plays an important role in our brain health.

 

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