7 Lifestyle Factors That May Cut Dementia Risk for People with Diabetes

Written by Sarah Cownley
Published on

Group of multiethnic mature people stretching arms outdoor. Middle aged yoga class doing breathing exercise at park. Beautifil women and fit men doing breath exercise together with outstretched arms.Dementia is a scary thought for anyone, but it’s especially concerning for those living with diabetes. A recent study has shown that seven lifestyle factors might help to lower the risk of dementia for people with diabetes. If you’re looking to keep your mind sharp as you age, read on for more information about these factors!

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot process insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When diabetes is not well-controlled, blood sugar levels can become too high, damaging the nerves and blood vessels. Over time, this damage can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.

Diabetes is also a major risk factor for dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive function. It can cause problems with memory, language, and decision-making. People with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop dementia than those without diabetes.

While there is no cure for diabetes or dementia, a new study has shown that both conditions can be managed through lifestyle changes, including physical activity and a healthy diet. By making healthy choices and staying on top of their treatment plan, people with diabetes can help to lower their risk of developing dementia.

The study published in the journal Neurology looked at a healthcare database in the United Kingdom and identified 167,946 people 60 or older with and without diabetes who did not have dementia at the start of the study. All participants completed health questionnaires, gave blood samples, and provided physical measurements.

Researchers calculated a healthy lifestyle score with one point for each of the seven healthy habits. These habits included:

  • Not currently smoking
  • Moderate alcohol consumption of up to one drink a day for women and up to two a day for men
  • Regular exercise of at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise
  • A healthy diet includes more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish and fewer refined grains, processed and unprocessed meats
  • Watching television less than four hours a day
  • Frequent social contact
  • Seven to nine hours of sleep daily

Over twelve years of follow-up, it was found that 4,351 people developed dementia. A total of 4% of the people followed only zero to two of the healthy habits, 11% followed three, 22% followed four, 30% followed five, 24% followed six, and 9% followed all seven.

Overall, after adjusting for factors like age, education, and ethnicity, people who followed all the habits had a 54% lower risk of dementia than those who followed two or fewer.

Maintaining Brain Function and Blood Sugar

As people age, taking steps to help maintain blood sugar and cognitive brain function is vital. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes that are also helpful for general health can help reduce the risks of dementia and diabetes.

Healthy Blood Sugar Support can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels using several ingredients that have been proven in clinical studies. The health benefits of this unique formula include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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