Does your loved one have diabetes and Alzheimer's? Among risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes is a big one. In fact, diabetics run at least double the risk of developing dementia. The "why" part isn't well understood, yet. But researchers say they've found at least one possible cause, a likely genetic link between the two diseases.
Researchers at City College in New York City say they believe a single gene disrupts the insulin pathway. The same gene, the “amyloid precursor protein” (APP) gene, is known to be present in many Alzheimer's cases that run in families.
“The insulin pathways are involved in many metabolic processes, including helping to keep the nervous system healthy," says biologist Chris Li.
Li and her colleagues scrutinized a protein called APL-1, made by a gene in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which works as an ideal stand-in for the human Alzheimer’s disease gene, reports PsychCentral. The research looked at mutations in the gene and how metabolic processes were affected.
Worm research is a far way from human research, but the genetic connection has scientists excited.
“We know there’s a link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes, but until now, it was somewhat of a mystery," says Mark Johnston, the editor-in-chief of the journal Genetics, where the research was published. "This finding could open new doors for treating and preventing both diseases."
Image by Flickr user dullhunk, used under a Creative Commons license.
My first question was also which type of diabetes the study referenced -- they are two very different diseases with very different causes. (Type 1 is autoimmune.) I did an internet search and found other articles about the study. The first one I read clearly stated that the study involved type 2 diabetes.
Tater, I appreciate that and yes it is starting to feel pretty overwhelming. I just take one day at a time and try to stay positive. Luckily, I'm a positive upbeat person. I don't know what the future holds but I really keep my faith and that is my biggest help. Luckily, I have 4 younger siblings who all live in the same area & can help somewhat with my mom. We lost our dad 21 years ago when she was only 50 and she didn't manager her finances well so now it's going to be hard to get her the help she needs. We all just have to pitch in and help for now. I appreciate your advice.
I DEVELOPED DIABETES WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE SOME TIME IN OCTOBER 2000 BUT DISCOVERED ITS PRESENCE ONLY AFTER I SOUGHT TREATMENTS FOR SWOLLEN LEGS AND HANDS. AFTER SEEING MY MRI REPORTS TWO CONSULTANTS TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A VERY GOOD HEART AND ALSO NO CHANCE FOR DEMENTIA AS I HAVE BEEN MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY ACTIVE ALL ALONG. I AM NOW 84 YEARS OLD AND AM STILL PURSUING MENTAL ACTIVITIES ENERGETICALLY. I AM ABLE TO WALK AND USE MY HANDS AFTER TAKING EXTENSIVE PHYSIO THERAPIC TREATMENT IN MUMBAI. SINCE LAST ONE YEAR.
Anonymous--I am sorry that so much is hitting you at the same time and that you and your siblings may need to take control of your Mom's life. It is very hard and can be emotionally draining. Throwing two home "sales" into the mix sounds overwhelming, and I hope for your sake that you can take one step at a time. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed due to finances, the "to-do" list, uncertainties, attitudes, obstacles, etc, please check out the many many articles on this website that are posted to help caregivers. Consider checking out the menu at the top for "Caregivers Wellness." There are lists of articles for problem solving and many articles that help you get the sleep you need, keep positive, and accomplish things more effectively. Right now it must seem overwhelming, but looking at "each step" and "one day" at a time helps me tons.
My husband has type 2 diabetes... now I have to be concerned about dementia too... OH GREAT!!!
i believe in the possibility of a link between them. as of now i am afraid of acquiring it coz i too just like my mom is diabetic with alzheimer's disease and am already having the signs of alzheimer's disease...;-(
I have never posted but always read everyone's comments. This is a great place to understand the emotions of a caregiver. My mom is a diabetic but takes oral medicine -- no shots and her dementia has gotten worse this year. Its very scary as I am her only caregiver--she lives with me and I have some homecare for her. Thank you all for all your thoughts and comments--some days it really helps!
To "Tater", Thank you for the advice. I know we are close to having to get someone to come in to administer the meds to my mother. My brother is going to also have to make up his mind very soon about whether to move in with her or not. Otherwise, we are going to have to put her in a "memory care" assisted living facility. I know she doesn't want that but if that is what we have to do to keep her safe & healthy, then so be it. I worry because I know she doesn't have enough income for the monthly charges in one of those places. She also owns her home so we would have to put it in by brother's name or sell it. Lots of decisions to make in the coming future. It's really stressful esp when I need to sell my own home and downsize. It seems like everything always hits at once.
If this is so then to me it gives even more concern to the common practice of prescribing Seroquel, which can negatively affect blood sugar levels, off label to dementia patients.
To those of you who are borderline diabetics or have family members with diabetes, please take folic acid capsules & coenzyme Q10 capsules everyday, religiously. These vitamins help to create better blood flow to the brain, therefore slowing down the progression of dementia/Alzheimer's. It's hasn't been proven to be a sure cure...but it's worth the try. It won't hurt you to take these supplements.
As usual it is a good article. I always remember to take my meds when they are due.
Hasbeen an overly depressing week. My Tues chemo treatment brought on another allergic reaction. The next three went OK, but my wife is unexplainably hostile most of the time this week. My chemo plus her hostilities has made for a very nerve wracking week. Just venting, CDK
For "anonymous." My mother has dementia and kept forgetting to take her blood pressure medication. Everytime I visitied her I would take her BP and she would be in stroke territory, but acted totally unconcerned about it. We had her tested, learned that she has three types of dementia and cannot be in charge of her meds. We have a helper with her during the day and they use a "locked box" for her meds, becuase she sometimes would also forget and take TOO MANY pills. It is tragic when the mind cannot recall nor can the mind organize with NOTEs to help with recall. I hope your Mom improves and can remember to take her insulin. I wonder if she would be a candidate for an insulin pump, although she may need assistance monitoring it, cleaning the site, etc.
I'm type 2, 76 yrs old but scared to death about dementia, I feel sometimes I've lost my mind, can't remember things, scary.....I pray help comes for all of us..
My mother is diabetic and in the last year or two has really started developing dementia. She is only 71 and I'm 54, so I worry about both diabetes and dementia. She has been having such high blood sugars lately because she can't even remember to take her insulin at the right times. We spent 4 1/2 hrs yesterday in fact at the emergency room because of high blood sugar levels. It would be great if there was a cure or some kind of medicine that would help both things.
This is of great importance to me. My father and brother both suffered from a form of dementia,cerebral corticol atrophy, and I am a Type 2 diabetic. This is an issue that I will need to discuss with my PCP to make sure that we watch for signs of dementia in me.
I was wondering if the "link" to diabetes refers to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Also, is the APP gene that is present in Alzeimer's patients present in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, or just one type (and if so, which). Thank you for reporting on this study. It has huge implications for treatment of diabetes and for boosting compliance with treatment.