Adolescents and young adults with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on in life, suggests a recent study. With rates of obesity and diabetes on the rise globally, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase among young people, putting them at heightened risk for Alzheimer’s. The study, published in Endocrines, found Alzheimer’s-linked blood plasma biomarkers and elevated amyloid protein levels in adolescents and young adults with diabetes, indicating potential pre-clinical signs of the neurodegenerative disease.
According to Allison L. Shapiro, MD, MPH, the first study author, there is a growing body of research on the connection between diabetes pathophysiology and Alzheimer’s Disease. Insulin dysregulation and hyperglycemia are leading hypotheses for how diabetes may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have shown that people with adult-onset diabetes are 60–80% more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of youth-onset diabetes on brain health.
The study analyzed data from the SEARCH cohort, examining 25 individuals with type 1 diabetes and 25 with type 2 diabetes, as well as a healthy control group. Blood plasma from the diabetes cohort was screened for Alzheimer’s biomarkers, and brain scans revealed the presence of amyloid and tau densities in Alzheimer’s-related brain areas. While these differences did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size, the findings suggest a potential link between youth-onset diabetes and Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers.
Courtney Kloske, PhD, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized the complex nature of both Alzheimer’s and diabetes, noting shared underlying mechanisms such as impairments in cell energy production. While the study has limitations and requires further research, including larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods, the findings highlight the importance of managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive issues associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In terms of actionable steps for high-risk individuals, regular cognitive screenings and lifestyle interventions can help track cognitive decline and potentially protect brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association provides guidance on brain-healthy behaviors, including regular physical activity, managing diabetes and blood pressure, being smoke-free, getting adequate sleep, and following a healthy balanced diet. The U.S. POINTER clinical trial is also underway to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions targeting multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, with data and results expected in 2025.
