Accelerated Mental Decline Linked To Insulin Resistance
In a study completed at Tel Aviv University, people with or without diabetes who had strong insulin resistance experienced an accelerated mental decline in memory, planning, and decision making functions.
The research findings can help medical providers identify aging individuals at risk for cognitive decline and dementia to recommend preventative measures.
“We know that insulin resistance can be prevented and treated by lifestyle changes and certain insulin-sensitizing drugs,” said researcher David Tanne, a TAU professor. “Exercising, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, and watching your weight will help you prevent insulin resistance and, as a result, protect your brain as you get older.”
The hormone insulin shuttles glucose molecules into our body’s cells for energy. With insulin resistance a person’s cells no longer respond normally to insulin, so cells cannot readily absorb the glucose they need.
The TAU investigators followed almost 500 patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease for more than 20 years. They assessed the patients for insulin resistance and cognitive function at the study’s start, 15 years later, and five years after that.
The data analysis showed those in the top quarter of the insulin resistance measurement - called the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) - had an elevated risk for poor cognitive function and accelerated mental decline. These results were undiminished by considering established cardiovascular, and other risk factors.
“This study lends support for more research to test the cognitive benefits of interventions such as exercise, diet, and medications that improve insulin resistance in order to prevent dementia,” says Prof. Tanne.
Source: Science Daily
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