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RISK FACTORS FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS

Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes:

• Do people with diabetes get dementia more often than people without diabetes?
• What is the risk factor for dementia in an insulin-dependant diabetic’s brain, as compared to a ‘normal’ brain?

Research shows that people with adult onset diabetes (sometimes called Type-2 Diabetes) are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many health complications that go along with diabetes and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease should be one risk that prompts people to manage their illness. Typically, control of weight and blood pressure are problems associated with diabetes which are, on their own, risk factors in developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Does too much sleep increase the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease?

We are not aware of any negative effect of sleep on the brain. However, it should be noted that spending long hours in bed or asleep is a common symptom of depression, which does negatively affect brain functioning.

If this is a concern, check that you are getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation during waking hours.

If your sleep level is bothering you, check with your doctor to find out if there might be an underlying health problem.