High Blood Sugar may Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline

A recent study shows that those with high levels of glucose in their blood may be at an increased risk for memory problems.

According to the study, German researchers assessed 140 healthy adults ranging from 50 to 80 years of age that carried no history of diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions, as well as no genetic predisposition to the problem.

Lead study author Agnes Floel, MD, of Charite-University Medicine in Berlin and colleagues worked to solve the puzzle through a variety of tests that measured blood levels and brain waves.

Brain scans showed that participants of the study with higher blood sugar also had smaller volumes in their hippocampus--the area of the brain that's linked to memory.

Exports believe that lowering blood sugar to a normal range could help with these cognitive issues and the possible prevention of further memory decline as we age.

"The present findings might lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effect of chronically elevated glucose brain function and structure, and the interaction between these factors," Floel and colleagues wrote.

They also added that certain "lifestyle strategies" could help in achieving the strict glucose control that can harm cognitive functioning.

What do you think?

More information regarding this study can be found via the journal Neurology.