Top 3 Habits to Help Prevent Cognitive Decline from Diabetes

What the Study Found

A recent longitudinal study published in Diabetes Care found that type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can significantly impact brain health and long-term cognitive function. The study analyzed over 31,000 participants aged 40 to 70 from the UK Biobank and used brain MRI scans and machine learning techniques to estimate brain age relative to chronological age.

The study discovered that prediabetes was associated with brains approximately 0.5 years older than their actual age. In comparison, those with type 2 diabetes showed an average brain age that was 2.3 years older than their chronological age. For those with poorly controlled diabetes, the discrepancy was even more pronounced, with their brains appearing more than four years older than expected.

The study also highlighted that the gap between brain age and chronological age tended to widen over time in people with diabetes.

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How to Counteract Diabetes-Related Brain Aging

The study’s findings highlight the importance of lifestyle interventions in mitigating brain aging associated with diabetes. Here are three key habits to incorporate into your routine:

1. Engage in regular physical activity: Consistent exercise has been shown to benefit brain health by enhancing blood flow and promoting neurogenesis. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.
2. Avoid smoking: Smoking has detrimental effects on both cardiovascular and cognitive health.
3. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can impair cognitive function and contribute to brain aging.

The Bottom Line

A new study from Karolinska Institutet offers compelling evidence that type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can lead to accelerated brain aging. However, it’s important to note that due to the nature of this study design, it’s not possible to prove cause and effect and interventional studies are needed to verify the results. Still, these findings add to the larger body of evidence that suggests that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol intake, can help support better overall health, including cognitive health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the negative impact of diabetes on brain aging. By incorporating the top 3 habits mentioned above into your daily routine, you can help prevent cognitive decline and support better overall health.

FAQs

Q: What are the risk factors for diabetes-related brain aging?
A: The study found that type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain aging.

Q: What are the top 3 habits to help prevent cognitive decline from diabetes?
A: Engage in regular physical activity, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Q: How can I adopt a healthy lifestyle to support better brain health?
A: Incorporate the top 3 habits mentioned above into your daily routine, and consider consulting with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan.

Q: What are the long-term effects of diabetes on brain health?
A: The study found that diabetes can lead to accelerated brain aging, which may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.