Alzheimer's and dementia have been around for centuries, but only in the last few decades has research identified these diseases as having a strong link to diabetes. This has led to a new term, type 3 diabetes. Exploring the connection between type 3 diabetes and Alzheimer's or dementia can help people understand why a healthy diet and controlling blood sugar are critical for good brain health.
Alzheimer's and dementia are devastating conditions that steal precious memories and leave individuals unable to perform daily tasks. These diseases are caused by the death of brain cells, which slowly leads to severe cognitive decline. One significant contributing factor to this brain cell death is inflammation, which is also associated with diabetes. Inflammation is a response of the body's immune system to injury, infection, or chronic disease, and it can damage healthy cells and tissues.
Recent research shows that insulin resistance and inflammation in the brain increase the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Normally, glucose triggers insulin to enter cells and provide energy, but when insulin levels are constantly elevated because of insulin resistance, brain cells become damaged and cannot communicate properly. As a result, memory is impaired, and cognitive function is reduced.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the blood. Research shows that insulin plays a role in brain function and that people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and that high levels of insulin in the brain contribute to the development of amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation, which is increased in type 2 diabetes, is also linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Essentially, type 2 diabetes can lead to cognitive decline because it affects the way the brain processes glucose and insulin.
Type 3 diabetes, or brain diabetes, is a term that has been coined relatively recently to describe the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Essentially, type 3 diabetes is a condition where the brain becomes insulin resistant, and this resistance leads to cognitive impairment. This has been observed in studies where insulin is injected directly into the brain, and it improves memory function in animals.
Another cause of insulin resistance that leads to type 3 diabetes is the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds that accumulate in the body over time and interfere with normal cell function. Studies show that AGEs accumulate in the brain and cause inflammation, which is a significant factor in Alzheimer's and dementia. The intake of AGEs is maximized by the consumption of cooked meat. Plant foods contain only a small amount of AGEs in comparison.
It's a new way of looking at how diabetes affects the brain and, by extension, how we can prevent cognitive decline. It's important to note that not all people with type 2 diabetes will develop Alzheimer's disease, and not all people with Alzheimer's disease have type 2 diabetes. However, the link between the two diseases is strong and should not be ignored.
One proposed way to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's is to control blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. A low-carb diet, which limits sugar and refined carbohydrates, can help control blood sugar levels in the short term, but low-carb diets increase insulin resistance. It's best to consume a whole food plant-based diet that can correct the underlying insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can also be reduced by regular exercise, which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. Dr. Dean Ornish is currently investigating the effect of lifestyle interventions on early Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. His study is nearing completion, and we look forward to his published results. Approximately three decades ago, his Lifestyle Heart Study demonstrated that atherosclerotic heart disease could be arrested and reversed with intensive lifestyle measures such as improved diet and stress management. The dietary intervention in the Lifestyle Heart Study was a whole food plant-based diet which he has incorporated into his current study on mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer's and dementia are catastrophic diseases that can steal the memories and dignity of aging individuals. Hopefully, Dr. Ornish’s soon-to-be-released study will give cause for hope that lifestyle measures can produce significant improvement - something that no pharmaceutical has been able to do to any meaningful degree. The best course of action is to reduce the risk of developing these diseases in the first place. Recognizing the link between type 3 diabetes, inflammation, and Alzheimer's or dementia helps individuals gain a better understanding of how good nutrition may positively impact brain health.
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