ype 2 diabetes has long been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, with some studies suggesting it doubles the likelihood of developing dementia. Now, a groundbreaking study involving over 31,000 participants between the ages of 40 and 70 has shed light on how diabetes and prediabetes can accelerate brain aging. However, the research also highlights that maintaining a healthy lifestyle—particularly regular exercise and abstaining from smoking and heavy drinking—could help protect the brain from these aging effects.
Diabetes and Accelerated Brain Aging
The study, published in Diabetes Care, utilized MRIs to examine the brains of over 31,000 people, revealing that those with type 2 diabetes had brains that appeared 2.3 years older than their chronological age. Among those with poorly controlled diabetes, the aging effect was even more pronounced, with brains appearing more than four years older. Even prediabetes was found to accelerate brain aging, though to a lesser extent, adding about four months to the brain’s biological age.
Lead researcher Abigail Dove from the Karolinska Institute’s Aging Research Center in Sweden noted that an older-appearing brain for one’s age might signal a deviation from normal aging, potentially serving as an early indicator of dementia. On the bright side, Dove emphasized that individuals with diabetes might have the ability to influence their brain health through healthy living.
MRI Insights and Limitations
The researchers employed MRIs to measure brain volume, cortical thickness, and white matter integrity, providing detailed insights into how diabetes impacts brain structure. While these imaging techniques offer valuable information for research purposes, they may not be practical for routine cognitive assessments in clinical settings, according to Dr. Ajaykumar D. Rao, an endocrinologist at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study.
Dr. Rao cautioned against widespread use of MRIs for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes, suggesting instead that patients consult their primary care teams about the potential need for neurocognitive testing.
The Role of a Healthy Lifestyle
Encouragingly, the study found that certain lifestyle habits could significantly reduce the risk of rapid brain aging. According to Dr. Susan Elizabeth Spratt, an endocrinology expert at Duke University, exercising at least twice as much as the currently recommended levels, along with avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, can protect the brain from aging prematurely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Dr. Thomas Vidic, a neurology professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and practicing physician at the Elkhart Clinic, echoed these findings. He noted that diabetes is associated with vascular disease and inflammation, both of which can compromise blood flow to the brain. Exercise, on the other hand, enhances blood circulation, potentially offsetting some of the brain-aging effects of diabetes. Additionally, Dr. Vidic pointed out that alcohol and smoking are neurotoxic, while abstaining from these substances can safeguard brain cells.
Conclusion
Brain health is a lifelong endeavor, and the study underscores the importance of early and sustained efforts to protect the brain, particularly for individuals with diabetes. As Dr. Vidic aptly put it, “It’s not something you can start worrying about at 65. You need to take care of your brain throughout your life.”
Related topics:
Escalating Global Diabetes Crisis: A Growing Threat in Developing Nations
Debunking Blood Sugar Myths: The Facts You Need to Know
Cutting Nighttime Light: A Simple Strategy to Lower Diabetes Risk
