A new study has found that adolescents and young adults with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. The study, conducted at the University of Colorado, revealed that youth-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes were associated with the presence of Alzheimer’s biomarkers in blood plasma and elevated amyloid protein levels in the brain. These findings align with previous research showing a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s, with diabetes already recognized as a risk factor for the neurodegenerative disease. As rates of obesity and diabetes are increasing globally, particularly among young people, understanding this relationship is crucial for early intervention and prevention.
The study, published in Endocrines, is the first to investigate the presence of potential pre-clinical signs of Alzheimer’s in adolescents and young adults with diabetes. Lead author Allison L. Shapiro, MD, MPH, explained that the leading hypotheses for this association include insulin dysregulation and hyperglycemia. Previous studies have shown that adults with diabetes are more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, with the new research focusing on a cohort of youth-onset diabetes patients. The study included 25 individuals with type 1 diabetes, 25 with type 2 diabetes, and a control group of healthy adolescents and young adults.
The researchers analyzed blood plasma samples from the participants for Alzheimer’s biomarkers and conducted PET brain scans on a subset of individuals to assess amyloid and tau densities in Alzheimer’s-related brain regions. While the findings showed higher levels of Alzheimer’s biomarkers in individuals with youth-onset diabetes, the differences were not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size. Shapiro noted that further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to fully understand the risk of Alzheimer’s in individuals with diabetes, including differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Courtney Kloske, PhD, from the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the complexity of both Alzheimer’s and diabetes, noting that they share underlying mechanisms such as impaired energy production in cells. While the study suggests a potential link between early onset diabetes and cognitive decline, Kloske highlighted the need for further research to confirm these findings. She recommended regular cognitive screenings and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, emphasizing the importance of managing diabetes, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors for brain health.
Shapiro echoed the importance of managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes to prevent complications and potential cognitive issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She emphasized the need for continued research to understand the specific mechanisms through which diabetes contributes to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. In the meantime, following a brain-healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, healthy diet, and adequate sleep, can help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER clinical trial is investigating lifestyle interventions to protect cognitive function in older adults at risk for cognitive decline, with data and results expected in 2025.
