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What Is The Difference Between Diabetes Dementia And Alzheimer’s?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Inverary, ON

While both have ultimately the same effect/symptoms:

Memory Loss

Difficulty with problem-solving

Confusion/thinking problems; and,

Problems with language usage

The causes of each are quite different

Alzheimer’s is mostly due to aging and changes in brain chemistry – there is little we can do about getting old

Diabetics are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s (38% more likely then Joe/Jane average) however, it is Diabetes Dementia that is more likely to set in

Diabetes Dementia… read more

April 25, 2023 (edited)
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Reactions

Answer Summary

Members responded to a detailed post explaining the difference between Alzheimer's and diabetes-related vascular dementia, with many sharing... Read more

Members responded to a detailed post explaining the difference between Alzheimer's and diabetes-related vascular dementia, with many sharing deeply personal stories of parents who suffered from dementia, memory loss, and diabetic complications including kidney failure, vision loss, and neuropathy. Several members described their own scary experiences, including family history of dementia, brain lesions from damaged blood vessels at age 46, memory loss from statin medications, and the constant fear of forgetting simple things as they age. A recurring theme was the empowering reminder that keeping blood sugar under control can prevent vascular dementia, with members expressing gratitude for the education, sharing research on insulin resistance as a contributing factor, and offering practical suggestions like ginkgo biloba and lower-carb diets.

A DiabetesTeam Member

If you look at a lot of the latest research it's pointing to insulin resistance as a cause. It's not old age just too much insulin over time. https://www.genengnews.com/neuroscience/alzheim...

April 29, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

My mom had dementia also and I hav e had a concussion with pots now VERY SCARY..I YRY TO CONTROL SUGARS WITH DIET...PRAYERS🙏😊

April 25, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

I’m at risk for dementia because several family members including my mother have it then throw in the diabetes and I’m like whoa dementia again!! You’ve got to be kidding. In the words of Winifred Sanford (Hocus Pocus) “I’m Doomed” Though in reality if I continue to eat healthy, control my blood sugar, stay active and engage the brain it benefits me in both cases. I know with age we tend to be a bit more forgetful and sometimes it scares the crap out of me when I forget something simple. My mother has progressed to the point where she has forgotten how to eat and dress herself as well as walking. It’s really sad to see.

April 25, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

@GrahamLamb- Graham- An important topic. Thank you for enlightening us.

April 25, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thank you so much for sharing this. I was not aware of this complication, My dad died from kidney failure, due to diabetes. He was on dialysis for many years. It took so much out of him. I also believe now, knowing of this, that my mom suffered from this. She was never diagnosed with diabetes dementia, but she had a lot of the symptoms. It really scares me to the point, that I become very anxious and stressed thinking of what my mom and dad went through. and I know that is NOT a good thing. All of you and the advice I read helps me a lot. I am thankful for all of you

November 20, 2023

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