Type-2 diabetes may raise Alzheimer’s risk by 53%, study finds

Diabetes may elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 53%, according to a new Australian-led review. The study, published in the journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, analyzed 40 previous studies involving millions of participants. People with type-2 diabetes had a 53% higher relative risk of Alzheimer's compared to those without the condition.

However, the 53% figure represents an increase in relative risk, not a guarantee that more than half of individuals with type-2 diabetes will develop Alzheimer's. Study author Emmanuel Adewuyi of Curtin University's School of Population Health emphasized that the review aimed to clarify the link between Alzheimer's and type-2 diabetes, which is often overlooked in earlier research that grouped different types of diabetes together or focused on broader dementia outcomes.

The researchers identified blood vessel changes, inflammation, and insulin responsiveness as potential mechanisms through which diabetes could impact brain health. Importantly, the study indicates an association rather than a direct causal relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer's. The findings come ahead of World Diabetes Day, which this year highlights the importance of early intervention in diabetes management.

For experts in Malaysia, where diabetes prevalence remains high, the research underscores the need for comprehensive diabetes care that considers factors beyond blood sugar levels, such as long-term cognitive health benefits.