| Diabetes may raise risk of Alzheimer's disease
By Anthony J. Brown, MD
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Findings from a new study indicate
that patients with diabetes mellitus are 65 percent more likely
to develop Alzheimer's disease than are people without diabetes.
The results support several recent reports that have linked the
two diseases. In contrast, in some earlier studies, researchers
were unable to show an association.
According to lead author Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis, from Rush University
Medical Center in Chicago, what sets the current study apart from
its predecessors is its forward-looking design and the rigorous
method of assessing mental, or cognitive, function.
"Surprisingly few...studies have examined the relationship
of diabetes to Alzheimer's disease," Arvanitakis told Reuters
Health. Also, unlike previous studies, a detailed battery of neuropsychological
tests was used to examine changes in five cognitive abilities, she
added.
As reported in the Archives of Neurology, the researchers assessed
the outcomes of 824 older Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers who
participated in the Religious Orders Study. All of the subjects
were Alzheimer's-free and 127 had diabetes mellitus at the start
of the study.
During an average follow-up period of 5.5 years, 151 subjects developed
Alzheimer's disease, the authors note. As noted, the presence of
diabetes raised the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 65 percent.
In terms of cognitive abilities, only a decline in perceptual speed
was associated with diabetes. "This was an interesting finding--it
helps us understand some subtle issues that may help us shed light
on the mechanisms" linking diabetes with Alzheimer's disease,
Arvanitakis said.
Further answers may come with additional follow-up of the present
cohort, she said. In addition, "all participants in the Religious
Orders Study have agreed to brain donation at the time of death,
which will allow us" to gain deeper insight into the association.
SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, May 2004.
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