Older adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have a thinner brain cortex than those without the condition, according to new research. The findings suggest that diabetes may significantly affect areas of the brain involved in memory and thinking.
The study, based on brain scans from a diverse group of participants, shows that poor blood sugar control can lead to structural changes in the brain. Researchers found that cortical thinning was especially common among Hispanic participants.
Experts say these findings highlight the importance of managing type 2 diabetes to protect brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
“Since blood sugar levels can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, our findings show the potential to preserve brain function through better diabetes care,” said senior author Amaryllis A. Tsiknia.
Co-author Professor Meredith N. Braskie emphasized the need for more research into how different risk factors affect people in different ways.
“The disparities we observed across racial and ethnic groups show that we must understand how these factors interact. That’s the first step toward personalized care that protects brain health for each individual,” she said.
Arthur W. Toga, Director of the Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics (INI), highlighted the value of large-scale research efforts. He said the data for this study came from the HABS-HD project, the most comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions in diverse populations.
“HABS-HD includes interviews, cognitive tests, MRI scans, and lab work. This kind of data allows for discoveries like the link between type 2 diabetes and brain thinning,” Toga said. “It also shows the power of global research programs like those we lead at the Stevens INI.”
Previous studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can lead to various health issues, including problems with the immune, nervous, and circulatory systems.
The study was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring.
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