A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) has uncovered a significant connection between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and changes in brain structure, particularly cortical thinning, in older adults. The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, explores how diabetes affects brain health across diverse populations, shedding light on the potential risks of unmanaged blood sugar levels in aging.
Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects one in ten Americans, has long been associated with complications in the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. The USC-led research team found that individuals with T2DM displayed notably thinner cortices in key regions of the brain, such as the temporal and parietal lobes, which are crucial for memory and cognitive function. These findings highlight the neurological consequences of poor glycemic control in older adults.
The study employed advanced neuroimaging techniques to examine cortical thickness and hippocampal volume in participants from the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD). This diverse cohort included Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White adults, offering valuable insights into the differential impact of diabetes on brain health across ethnic groups. The researchers found that individuals with poor blood sugar control were more likely to exhibit significant cortical thinning, a condition linked to cognitive decline.
Lead researcher Amaryllis A. Tsiknia, a Ph.D. student at USC, emphasized that effective blood sugar management, through both medical treatment and lifestyle changes, could help mitigate the brain changes associated with diabetes. “Our findings suggest that managing blood sugar levels could be key to protecting brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline in older adults with diabetes,” Tsiknia said.
The study’s findings remained significant even after accounting for various factors, such as socioeconomic status and common comorbidities like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Interestingly, the strongest associations between T2DM and cortical thinning were observed among Hispanic participants, with no significant effects in non-Hispanic Black adults. These disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions that address diabetes management and its neurological impact, particularly in minority populations.
Senior author Dr. Meredith N. Braskie, assistant professor of neurology at USC, stressed the importance of understanding how different risk factors interact across various populations to determine brain health. “The disparities we found suggest the need for further research into how different risk factors combine in diverse groups. This will help us advance personalized care that protects brain function,” Braskie explained.
The study also highlights the critical role of large-scale research initiatives like HABS-HD, which is the most comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in diverse communities. Dr. Arthur W. Toga, director of the Stevens INI, emphasized that such studies provide invaluable data that could lead to major breakthroughs in understanding the links between diabetes and brain health.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to conduct longitudinal studies to determine whether the observed brain changes lead to accelerated cognitive decline over time. Further exploration into the effects of diabetes medications and lifestyle interventions could provide valuable insights into strategies for protecting brain health in individuals with diabetes.
Related topics:
Is Matooke Good for Diabetics?
