Lowering Dementia Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers: Discover 7 Essential Habits
Diabetes Type 2 folks might be at a higher risk for dementia, but that doesn't mean it's a done deal. Researchers are still figuring out how lifestyle choices can affect dementia risk, and a recent Neurology study implies that dieting and exercising right could lower that risk.
Dementia and its causes
Dementia, a term that encompasses a variety of disorders affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning, can become more severe over time, significantly impacting daily life and independence. Some factors, like age and family history, can't be altered. However, there are others where you can make a difference. Smoking, being overweight, and excessive booze consumption are all hazardous to your cognitive health, especially when it comes to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Diabetes Type 2, in particular, is a risk factor for dementia. Work with your doc to keep it under control and maintain your health. Research is ongoing to determine how healthy living can improve conditions like diabetes while reducing dementia risk.
Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and lifestyle adjustments
The Neurology study examined the impact of seven healthy habits on dementia risk. The habits included:
- Quitting smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise
- Munching on a balanced diet
- Snoozing enough
- Moving around more
- Socializing frequently
Researchers used data from the U.K. Biobank, including participants aged 60 or older without dementia at the start of the study. They looked at people with diabetes as well as those without. The team gave each participant a healthy lifestyle score based on the seven behaviors mentioned above.
Researchers found that these healthy habits were associated with a reduced risk of dementia. The reduction was even more significant among people with diabetes. Study author Dr. Yingli Lu said, "Our findings highlight that adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle may greatly reduce this risk [of dementia among people with diabetes]."
Even though the study has its limitations, like self-reported data and the potential for misclassifications, the results suggest that healthier living may decrease your risk of dementia, especially if you have diabetes. Researchers should continue to examine how these healthy behaviors might impact cognitive health in people with diabetes and the mechanisms behind it.
- People with Diabetes Type 2 might be at a higher risk for dementia, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce that risk.
- The Neurology study suggests that regular exercise and moving around more are beneficial habits that can lower the risk of dementia, especially for those with Diabetes Type 2.
- The seven healthy habits studied in the Neurology research, including moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and frequent socializing, were associated with a reduced risk of dementia among participants.
- Researchers found that the reduction in dementia risk was even more significant among people with Diabetes Type 2 who followed these healthy habits.
- The study, while having limitations like self-reported data and potential misclassifications, indicates that adhering to a healthy lifestyle can significantly decrease the risk of dementia for people with Diabetes Type 2.
- Therapies and treatments, such as fitness and exercise, nutrition management, and mental health support, could be essential for both managing Diabetes Type 2 and reducing the risk of dementia.
- Diabetes Type 2 is a type of chronic disease, and contextualizing it in the broader health-and-wellness landscape reveals the urgency of understanding how healthy living can affect dementia risk.
- As researchers continue to explore the impact of healthy behaviors on cognitive health and dementia risk, they should focus on personas like those with Diabetes Type 2 to better understand the nuances of managing different medical-conditions and reducing dementia risk through retargeting strategies.
