Memory Loss Not Reduced With Diabetes Therapy

Scientists have proven that treatments being offered for older individuals with type 2 diabetes can help them in preserving some of their brain volume. Unfortunately, these treatments are not able to slow down the rate at which their memory is lost.

This disappointing news was part of a large study labeled ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes), and conducted by a team of US scientists. It proved that treating type 2 diabetes for many years in such an aggressive manner offered significant support in achieving normal blood glucose levels. However, it provided little support in other areas.

The main focus of the study was on how the aggressive management of diabetes affected the memory of type 2 diabetics between the ages of 55 and 80. All of the participants had elevated blood glucose levels and were at an increased risk for heart disease.

The study showed that individuals over the age of 70 were at double the risk of suffering memory problems when compared to participants of the same age who were not experiencing these particular health concerns.

“We know that people with type 2 diabetes have a much higher risk of keyword dementia and memory loss than people without diabetes,” said Jeff Williamson, one of the researchers on the study.

He added: “What we didn't know was, if you intensively control blood sugar levels in people who have had a history of trouble controlling them, does the added cost and effort to control blood sugar result in a slowed rate of memory loss?”

Results of the study can be found in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Source: Reuters