- Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes accelerate brain ageing by up to 4 years.
- Active lifestyles can reduce diabetes’ impact on brain health.
- Lifestyle changes may protect against dementia in those with diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are linked to accelerated brain ageing, according to new research from the Karolinska Institutet.
While the connection between diabetes and dementia risk is well-documented, the study offers a hopeful message: leading a healthy lifestyle can help counteract the negative effects of diabetes on brain health.
New Study Finds Healthy Habits Can Slow Diabetes-Driven Brain Ageing
The study conducted by Karolinska Institutet highlights a critical finding: Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are linked to accelerated brain ageing. This means that people with diabetes or even those in the early stages of the disease are more likely to experience brain changes that make their brains appear older than their actual age. These changes may increase their risk for cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
In people with well-controlled diabetes, the brain ageing process was slower. However, in those with poorly controlled diabetes, the brain was ageing more rapidly, appearing over four years older than the chronological age. The researchers discovered that this ageing gap tends to increase slightly as diabetes progresses, which may further elevate dementia risk over time.
Fortunately, the study revealed an optimistic outlook for those who adopt healthier habits. Regular physical activity, avoiding heavy alcohol use, and abstaining from smoking all significantly reduced the accelerated brain ageing effects linked to diabetes. These findings suggest that lifestyle interventions can play a vital role in protecting brain health, even in individuals already diagnosed with diabetes.
This research reinforces the importance of preventive measures and lifestyle modifications for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with diabetes. By incorporating healthy habits, people may be able to influence their brain ageing process, potentially lowering their risk for dementia and other cognitive issues as they grow older.
The study emphasizes that while diabetes accelerates brain ageing, adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate its impact. Regular exercise and healthy habits could help protect against dementia and support long-term cognitive health.
“On the positive side, it seems that people with diabetes may be able to influence their brain health through healthy living.” – Abigail Dove, Karolinska Institutet.
