High Doses of Vitamin E May Delay Alzheimer’s Patients Moving to a Nursing Home While High Blood Sugar Raises the Risk of Dementia
Evelyn Smith
MS in Library Science, University of North Texas (2012)
A study that appears in the January edition of the
Journal of the American Medical Association has reaffirmed some earlier studies
that taking high doses of Vitamin E supplements may prolong the period that
patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s may be able to perform the
Activities of Daily Living, such as dressing themselves, and toileting, that
may keep them out of a nursing home for about six months. However, taking vitamin E supplements doesn’t
prevent the onset of dementia in otherwise functionally cognitive older
adults.
Because taking Vitamin E supplements can cause
possible health risks, patients in the early stages of dementia should consult
a physician before undertaking this therapy and weight the risks of taking this
alternative medicine. However, a diet that includes vitamin E, when
it is found in dark green and leafy vegetables, has proven beneficial in possibly
delaying dementia, just as a diet that includes several servings of fatty fish,
such as salmon or tuna, may reduce the chance of dementia . In August 2013, research also showed that a
diet high in blood sugars correlates with a higher incidence of dementia. Placing these most recent studies in a broader context, which includes current advice on administering vitamin E to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's, should help caregivers discuss whether or not they should include high doses of vitamin E as part of their therapy. Reading The New York Times regularly should help the general public keep up with the latest developments in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
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Dieting Advice to Prevent Dementia:
- Everyone should regularly eat their spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables as well as include nuts in their diet to increase the intake of Vitamin E naturally;
- They should also strive to maintain a healthy body weight and stay away from high caloric foods and that produce high blood sugar;
- Caretakers should consult a physician before administering vitamin E supplements to patients in the early stages of dementia, so they can jointly evaluate the risks and benefits of doing so.
- In the meanwhile, watch out for a decline in verbal fluency particularly among women. Reason: If not remembering the right word goes along with a high blood sugar level, it can be reversed if caught in time.
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Popular & Vetted Studies
on Vitamin E
, Pam.
(2013, December 31). Vitamin E
Slows Decline of Some Alzheimer’s Patients in Study. New Old Age. Health. New
York Times. Retrieved from http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/
Until most recently, research from clinical trials as
to whether vitamin E can help Alzheimer’s patients have been mixed and
cautionary since high doses might increase the risk of death. The January edition of the Journal of American Medical Association,
however, has released a study that indicates that over a little more than two
years, high doses of vitamin E slowed the decline of mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s by about six months (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 1-3).
While vitamin E doesn’t delay cognitive decline, it
does enable individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s to perform
activities of daily living for about six months longer. These individuals also needed help from
caregivers for two hours less per day (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 4-5).
Whether this research will still dramatically affect
the lives of Alzheimer’s patients is still unclear, but it might improve their
ability to bathe and dress themselves.
Perhaps more importantly, high doses of vitamin E appeared to be safe—a
finding that goes against a 2005 analysis that suggested that high doses of vitamin
E could increase the risk of death (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 5-6).
Even so, this doesn’t mean that everyone with
dementia or everyone hoping to prevent it should take high doses of vitamin E
since the study only found that it benefitted people with mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s, echoing 1997 research that also found that vitamin E could delay
cognitive decline for about seven months in patients with moderately severe
Alzheimer’s (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 8-9).
Other studies have discovered that vitamin E doesn’t
delay dementia in individual without symptoms or with mild cognitive impairment
(Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 10). Physicians thus caution against
applying the results of this study to anyone without mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 11-14).
The research followed 613 mostly male veterans from
14 Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals who were already taking
medications, like Aricept, prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. One
group received 2,000 I.U.’s daily while another group received memantine
(Namenda), vitamin E plus memantine, or a placebo. While researchers hoped for
a double benefit of taking vitamin E and memantine, only vitamin E proved
beneficial. Mematine was no better than
a placebo at preventing cognitive decline (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para.
15-16).
Moreover, while vitamin E helped individuals retain
their ability to perform the activities of daily living for a longer period of
time, it didn’t stop cognitive decline.
Although the ability to perform daily functions might be more important
to patients and their families, a truly effective Alzheimer’s treatment would
improve their ability both to think and function (Belluck, 2013, December 31,
para. 17-18). Experts also couldn’t explain why vitamin E would work in fully
developed Alzheimer’s but not earlier.
Even so, caretakers should attempt to give 2,000 I.U.’s of vitamin E
without a physician’s oversight (Belluck, 2013, December 31, para. 19-20).
Researchers questioned as to whether they would administer
high doses of vitamin E to their Alzheimer’s patients responded that they would
suggest it after trying other treatments as another option (Belluck, 2013,
December 31, para. 21-23).
Study: Vitamin E may help Alzheimer's patients
(2013, December 31). CNN Health.
Retrieved from http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2013/12/31/study-vitamin-e-may-help-alzheimers-patients/
A new study just released by the Journal of the American Medical Association
suggests that vitamin E might help improve the functioning of patients with
mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, even though no cure for Alzheimer’s exists. No vitamin or medicine can reverse the
symptoms of memory loss and disorientation.
Researchers also caution that vitamin E isn’t always effective. Nevertheless results are positive enough to
call for more research to duplicate and confirm the findings even as
researchers caution that no one should take vitamin E unless a physician
approves of the dosage (CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para. 1-3).
Methods
The trial involved 613 patients with mild to
moderate Alzheimer's disease, 97 percent of which were male. All but one of the patients was already
taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that slow Alzheimer's symptoms in some patients.
One group received synthetic vitamin E; one group received memantine; one group
received both vitamin E and memantine, a drug for moderate to severe
Alzheimer’s, and one group received a placebo (CNN Health, 2013, December 31,
para. 4-5). Researchers used the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperate Study/Activities
of Daily Living Inventory to measure functional ability as well as other
assessments to evaluate cognitive skills, following the patients for 2.3 years
(CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para. 6-7).
Results
Only participants in the vitamin E only group had a
delay in the clinical progression of Alzheimers of 19 percent over a year when
compared with the placebo group. Upon
measuring how quickly Alzheimer’s was
progressing in terms of daily living activities, the vitamin E only group saw a
decline of 3.15 units less than those receiving a placebo. This could determine whether the patient was
still able to bathe or dress him or herself.
Activities of Daily Living rarely improve during clinical trials (CNN
Health, 2013, December 31, para. 8-9).
Patients taking both vitamin E and memantine or memantine alone did not
show any benefits, nor did any group do better on cognitive tests than those patients taking
placebos (CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para. 10).
Caveats
Researchers still don’t know why only taking vitamin
E benefitted Alzheimer’s patients while taking vitamin E along with memantine
didn’t. They also don’t know why any
group didn’t perform better than the
placebo group on cognitive tests. This recent study therefore underlines the
need for replicating the study (CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para. 11-13).
Previous research has proved that vitamin E might
possibly benefit Alzheimer’s patients, but some studies have raised safety
concerns; for example, a 2011 JAMA
study found that when cognitively health men take vitamin E, this increases
their risk of prostate cancer However, vitamin E didn’t appear to increase the
risk of mortality in this study (CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para.
14-15).
Conclusions
Physicians might now consider recommending that some
of their Alzheimer’s patients take vitamin E.
Medical science has yet to discover any other treatments that make “a
significant difference in the well-being of Alzheimer’s patients”. However, “In
the future there will be very little discussion when we have a clearer,
yes-or-no answer” (CNN Health, 2013, December 31, para. 16-17).
____________
Alternative medicine. (2013, January 19). Alzheimer’s Disease. Mayo Clinic.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
Alzheimer's
Care Giving
A panel of experts convened by the National Institutes
of Health found no evidence indicating that taking extra vitamin B, vitamin C,
vitamin E, folic acid or beta carotene delayed or prevented Alzheimer’s
(Alternative medicine, 2013, January 19, para. 1).
Omega-3
fatty Acids
However, “somewhat stronger data”—but no “definitive
evidence” showed that the fatty acids in fish oil may prevent cognitive decline
(Alternative medicine, 2013, January 19, para. 2).
Vitamin
E
Earlier research indicates that vitamin E may delay the
inability to carry out activities of daily living for a few months, however,
subsequent research has associated taking vitamin E with an increased risk of
death. Consequently, no one should take
vitamin E without medical supervision (Alternative medicine, 2013, January 19,
para. 3).
Ginkgo
The NIH has found ginkgo has no effect in preventing or
delaying Alzheimer’s (Alternative medicine, 2013, January 19, para. 4).
Since alternative supplements can interact with
prescribed medication taken for Alzheimer’s or other medical conditions,
patients and their caretakers should work closely with medical professions to
create an individualized treatment plan (Alternative medicine, 2013, January
19, para. 5).
Medications for Memory (2014). alz.org/Alzheimers Association. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp
No medications [or alternative supplements] can prevent
or cure dementia, however, some medications may lessen the severity of symptoms
for a limited time (Alz.org, 2014, para. 1).
Types
of Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Cognex) and
memantine (Namenda) — to treat memory loss, confusion, and problems with
reasoning. Current medication may
temporarily stabilize symptoms by affecting chemical involved in carrying
messages to the brain’s nerve cells.
Physicians may prescribe both cholinesterase inhibitors and meantine
either separately or simultaneously.
Some physicians also prescribe high doeses on vitamin E (Alz.org, 2014,
para. 2-3).
Medications
for Early to Moderate Stages
Cholinesterase inhibitors treat Alzheimer’s symptoms
related to memory, thinking, language, and judgment in its early to moderate
stages (Alz.org, 2014, para. 4).
Medication
Safety
Both the patient’s physician and pharmacist should
know all medications currently taken, including over-the-counter drugs and alternative
preparations, before prescribing any medicine to prevent side-effects (Alz.org,
2014, para. 5).
Neurologists usually prescribe three cholinesterase
inhibitors—Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), and Galantamine
(Razadyne)—to help prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (a-SEA-til-KOH-lean),
a chemical that supports communication among nerve cells, thus delaying the
worsening of Alzheimer’s symptoms for about six to twelve months. While normally “well-tolerated, they may
result in nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and frequency of bowel movement
(Alz.org, 2014, para. 6-9). While
Rivastigmine and Galantamine address mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, Donepezil is
approved for use in all stages of Alzheimer’s.
Physicians more rarely prescribe the first cholinesterase inhibitor,
Tacrine (Cognex) because it results in
more serious side effects than the other cholinesterase inhibitors (Alz.org,
2014, para. 9).
Medication
for Moderate to Severe Stages
Memantine (Namenda) treats moderate to severe Alzheimer’s
either alone or with other Alzheimer’s treatments since some evidence exists
that patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s might benefit from taking
both Donepezil (Aricept) and memantine (Alz.org, 2014, para. 10-11).
Memantine
Memantine regulates glutamate, a chemical involved
in learning and memory, thus temporarily delaying the worsening of
symptoms. Memantine’s possible side
effects include headache, constipation, confusion, and dizziness (Alz.org,
2013, para. 12-14).
Tomorrow’s
Treatments
Clinical trials pave the way to new treatments by
recruiting patients with Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment as well as
individuals with no cognitive problems as controls. Ultimately, the path to
effective new treatments is through clinical trials (Alz.org, 2013, para.
15). Volunteers can find out more about
participating in free clinical trials through the Alzheimer’s Association
TrialMatch service (Alz.org, 2013, para. 16).
Vitamin
E
Although physicians may prescribe vitamin E to treat
Alzheimer’s, no one should use vitamin E to treat Alzheimer’s without medical
supervision (Alz.org, 2013, para. 17). Since vitamin E is an antioxidant, it
may protect brain cells and other body tissues from “chemical wear and tear”. A
1997 study showed that high doses of Alzheimer’s helped delay the loss of
activities of daily living for several months. Some subsequent studies,
however, have found that high doses of vitamin E might marginally increase the
risk of death from coronary artery disease (Alz.org, 2013, para. 18).
A helpful chart summarizing the benefits and risks of Alzhemier's medications, including vitamin E follows.
Vitamin E U.S. (2013, October 22). Medline
Plus. National Library of Medicine .U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services National Institutes of Health.
Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamine.html
Summary
Vitamin E found in foods might play an important role in delaying cognitive
decline as well as preventing coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and
age-related eye disorders. However, the
jury is still out as to whether taking Vitamin E supplements does more harm
than good. Thus, no one should take
Vitamin E without the advice and consent of a physician who is fully informed
of all the medications and supplements that a patient is taking.
Since vegetable oils and margarine that
contain trans fats are now deemed harmful to health, Vitamin E should come in
the form of dark green and leafy vegetables and nuts. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in
immune system and metabolic processes. Good sources of vitamin E include
vegetable oils*, margarine*, nuts and seeds, and leafy greens. Vitamin E is also added to foods like
cereals. Most people get enough vitamin E from the foods they eat. People with
certain disorders, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn's disease
may need extra vitamin E. Vitamin E
supplements may be harmful for people who take blood thinners and other
medicines. Check with your health care provider before taking the supplements Vitamin E U.S., 2013, October 22, para. 1).
___________
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin E. (2013,
June 5). NIH: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
The recommended Intake for for Vitamin E
(Alpha-Tocopherol) individuals fourteen
years and older is 15 mg (22.4 IU) (Vitamin E U.S., 2013, October 13, para. 15).
Sources of Vitamin E
| Nuts, olive oil, and avocados are all good sources for Vitamin E. |
Food
Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are the best sources
for vitamin E, although it is also found in green leafy vegetables and
fortified cereals. [However, deriving
vitamin e from vegetable oils may be changing because of a preliminary FDA
ruling that finds trans fats as unsafe]* (Vitamin E U.S., 2013, October 22,
para. 16).
Thus, readers should pay attention to Table 2, which
notes that sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, peanuts, spinach,
broccoli, kiwi, mango, tomatoes, and soybean oil all are sources of vitamin E.
(Vitamin E U.S., 2013, October 22, para. 17).
Most vitamin-E-only supplements provide over 100
percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance
for the nutrient, although two national surveys found that the diet of
most American is less than it should be and can be naturally increased by
consuming more nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (Vitamin E U.S., 2013,
October 22, para. 18-19).
Even so, true
Vitamin E deficiency is rare. Since the
digestive system requires fat to absorb vitamin E, those with malabsorption
disorders are more likely to be deficient in Vitamin E, although individuals
diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or the inability to secrete
bile from the liver may also be deficient in vitamin E (Vitamin E U.S., 2013,
October 22, para. 20-21).
Vitamin E and Health
Because of Vitamin E’s role in anti-inflammation,
preventing platelets from clumping, and enhancing immunity, many health claims
have been made for the supplement involving heart disease, cancer, eye
disorders, and cognitive decline (Vitamin E U.S., 2013, October 22, 22-23).
Coronary Heart Disease
In vitro studies have shown that Vitamin E slows
oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Vitamin E may also help prevent the formation
of blood clots leading to heart attacks and strokes. Observational studies have
associated lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intakes either
when it is taken in supplements or found naturally in food (U.S. Vitamin E,
2013, October 22, para. 24-25). Contrary
to these findings, randomized clinical trials question the ability to prevent
coronary heart disease (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 26-30).
Cancer
Antioxidents like vitamin E protect cells from damaging
effects of free radicals that might help cancers to develop. Vitamin E might also block the forming of
carcinogenic nitrosamines formed the nitrates in food. Human trials, however, have found that taking
Vitamin E supplements isn’t beneficial in most instances (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013,
October 22, para. 31-32), although among smokers and former smokers a study did
find a significant deduction is the risk or advanced prostate cancer. Moreover, studies found that a higher intake
of Vitamin E decreased the incidence of colon and breast cancer (U.S. Vitamin
E, 2013, October 22, para. 33-34).
Additionally, the American Cancer Society found that those adults who
took Vitamin E supplements for a decade or longer were less likely to die from
bladder cancer (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 35). Paradoxically, however, large doses of
Vitamin E supplements, taking 400 IU daily, may increase the risk of prostate
cancer (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 36).
Eye Disorders
Vitamin E may help prevent or treat age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) and cataracts:
Studies have shown that individuals with a relatively high dietary
intake of vitamin E (30 IU/day) have an approximately 20 percent lower risk of
developing AMD with those with a low intake of less than 15 IU of vitamin E
daily, although supplements didn’t produce this same effect. A large randomized clinical trial that
studied at risk participants, however, found that they reduced their risk of
developing advanced AMD by 25 percent by taking a daily supplement containing
400 IU of Vitamin E along with other supplements (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October
22, para. 37-38). Different studies that correlated the development of
cataracts and the use of Vitamin E as a supplement resulted in “inconsistent
findings” (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 39-40).
Cognitive Decline
A clinical trial of patients with moderate Alzheimer's
found that taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin E delayed a move to a nursing home,
although these individuals fell more than those taking a placebo (U. S. Vitamin
E, 2013, October 22, para. 41). An additional study found that taking Vitamin E
supplements or including foods high in Vitamin E in the diet could delay
cognitive delay for at least three years in elderly adults who lived
independently. However, another study found that taking a 600 IU
supplement resulted in “no apparent cognitive benefits as did research that
randomly assigned either a dosage of 2,000 IU/day, donepezil, or a placebo in
patients diagnosed with mild cognitive disorder (U. S. Vitamin E, 2013, October
22, para. 42-43).
Health Risks from Excessive Vitamin E
No adverse effects come from consuming vitamin E in
food, but research has shown that high doses of Vitamin E supplements can cause
hemorrhages and interrupt blood coagulation as well as inhibit platelet
aggregation (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 44).
Table 3, which gives “Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
(ULs) for Vitamin E” shows that the upper limit of tolerable amounts is 1,000
mg for individuals 19 years of age or older (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22,
para. 45). However, one study found the
increase of death might rise if the individual takes only a supplement of 150
IU daily (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 46).
Interactions with Medications
Vitamin E supplements also can interact with other
medications, so this underlines the necessity of discussing with a physician
the advisability of taking Vitamin E supplements (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October
22, para. 49).
Anticoagulant & Antiplatelet Medications
Taking 400 I.U. of Vitamin E can hinder the clumping of
platelets and interfere with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (U. S.
Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 50).
Simvastatin & Niacin
Taking vitamin E supplements with other antioxidants,
like vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene, can reduce the rise in high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, among patients treated with a combination
of simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin (U. S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para.
51).
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Oncologists advise against taking antioxidant
supplements during cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy because doing so might
inhibit cellular oxidative damage in cancerous cells (U.S. Vitamin E, 2013,
October 22, para. 52).
Vitamin E & Healthful Diets
The 2010 Dietary
Guidelines for Americans advises that “nutrients should come primarily from
foods” in diets that feature a large variety of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Thus, consumers can find Vitamin E in green
leafty vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals. Nuts are also a good source of vitamin E
(U.S. Vitamin E, 2013, October 22, para. 53-55).
____________
Trans-fat References
*Hayes, Ashley.
(2013, November 13). Put down
that doughnut. FDA takes on transfats.
CNN Health. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/07/health/fda-trans-fats/
*Smith, Evelyn Elaine. (2013, December 2). The
Breast Cancer, High LDL Cholesterol, & Trans Fat Connection: The Skinny on
Avoiding High LDL Cholesterol, Breast Cancer, & Trans Fats. McGregor,
Texas, McGinley Memorial Public Library Books and Friends. Retrieved from http://evelynelainesmith.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-breast-cancer-high-ldl-cholesterol.html
___________
High Blood Sugar Correlates with Dementia: Step away from the Cupcake
A recent study has found that the risk of dementia was
18 percent higher in participants whose blood sugar averaged 115 milligrams per
deciliter than among those at 100 mg/dL, which was only a little lower.
Patients with diabetes with glucose levels of 190 mg/dL had a 40 percent
greater risk of developing dementia than those whose blood sugar levels
averaged 160 mg/dL (Span, 2013, August 9, para. 1). The study, however, didn’t explain why higher
blood glucose tends to correlate with dementia or if maintaining lower blood
glucose levels acts as a protection against dementia (Span, 2013, August 9,
para. 2).
Epidemiological studies can guide further research, but
they don’t necessarily proof that changes in behavior that lower blood sugar
decrease the risk of dementia (Spin, 2013, August 9, para. 3). Since these
blood glucose levels aren’t big difference, they shouldn’t necessarily change a
patient’s goals for managing the condition.
They also don’t inevitably mean that anyone whose blood glucose levels
climb to 115mg/dL is more likely to develop dementia (Spin, 2013, August 9,
para. 3).
However, patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle and
diet, exercising daily and maintaining a normal weight to lower their dementia
risk (Spin, 2013, August 9, para. 4). This research, however, offers proof that
high blood sugar can damage the brain, even though medical science is still
trying to discover why this is so (Spin, 2013, August 9, para. 5).
___________
Poor Verbal Fluency in Women
Coupled with High Blood Sugar May Signify Cognitive Decline
A Finnish study links higher insulin resistance with
poorer verbal fluency in women, thus postulating that high insulin resistance particularly
in women might signal cognitive decline years before the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Ekblad, Laura L., Rinnel, Juha, O., Pauli, J. (2015, 10 July). Diabetologia.
Insulin resistance is associated with poorer verbal fluency performance in
women. doi:
10.1007/s00125-015-3715-4 [Full text]. 2015 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print].
Retrieved from http://www.diabetologia-journal.org/files/Ekblad.pdf
After hypothesizing a relationship between insulin
resistance and cognitive performance and speculating that gender and the APOE*E4
gene might modify this link, Finnish researchers undertook a nationwide population-based
study of adults aged 30 to 97, testing cognitive function by way of word-list
learning, word-list delayed recall, categorical verbal fluency and simple and
visual-choice reaction time tests. They
then used linear regression to confirm a link between HOMA-IR (a. k. a. insulin
resistance) and lower test results.
Higher insulin resistance corresponded with poorer verbal fluency in
women but not in men as well as in APOE*E4 negative individuals but not in
APOE*E4 carriers. High insulin
resistance levels also correlated with a slower reaction time for all
individuals tested. The test results suggest that higher insulin resistance
could be a marker for cognitive decline (Abstract, para. 1-2).
Fetters, K. Aleisha. (2015, August 27). The surprising
link between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease. US News. Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/surprising-between-type-2-diabetes-alzheimers-disease-165313401.html
Untreated insulin resistance that leads to excessively
high blood sugar levels is possibly one of the first signs of cognitive decline
especially among women (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 2).
Testing language skills, semantic memory and executive
function in 6,935 Finnish men and women aged 30 to 97, researchers at the
University of Turku discovered a link between high levels of insulin resistance
and poorer scores among women (Fetters 2015, August 27, para. 3).
Study results lead to the hypothesis that women’s
brains are “more vulnerable to the effects of insulin resistance than men’s
brains are. Previous research has discovered that lesions in the brain are more
common among individuals with metabolic problems, including insulin resistance,
as well as among women (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 4).
With insulin resistance, too much insulin circulates in
the blood flow, which, in turn, reduces the flow of insulin and delivery of
glucose to the brain. Earlier studies
show that reduced brain insulin levels further cognitive decline. Additionally, diabetics have a greater risk
of cardiovascular disease, and their elevated blood cholesterol levels can lead
to vascular brain changes. This link
between diabetes and Alzheimer’s has even cause researchers at Albany
University to suggest that Alzheimer’s is simply the last stage of Type 2
diabetes (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 5-6).
Know Your Blood Sugar Levels;
Reduce Your Alzheimer's Risk
However, the most truly “alarming”-- but “potentially
lifesaving”--idea culled from this study is a link between insulin resistance
and poor cognition is present years before Alzheimer’s onset (Fetters, 2015,
August 27, para. 7). More than one out of three U.S. adults can be classified
as pre-diabetics because their blood sugar levels are too high, but not high
enough to be classified as diabetics (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 8).
This news necessitates that anyone who is overweight,
has high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels to get his or her blood
sugar levels checked (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 9). Diabetics, however, can reduce or delay the
onset of Alzheimer’s with proper management of their condition (Fetters, 2015,
August 27, para. 10). Unlike diabetes,
pre-diabetes is reversible through diet and exercise, and these actions may help
prevent Alzheimer’s Disease (Fetters, 2015, August 27, para. 11).
The medical links furnished on this Web page represent the opinions of their authors, so they complement—not substitute—for a physician’s advice.
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