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Diabetes and memory problems

I'm very aware of connections between diabetes and dementia - which could show up in memory problems. I had a parent, a grandparent and a great grandparent with dementia, so have followed the research on this for years. Not only does it look as if there are going to be genetic connections, the effects of diabetes look as if they'll exacerbate the development of dementia. Sorry - does that all sound horrendously negative and alarming?
 
This is the sort of research I was thinking of.
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=1951
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=152

Looking through these research reports, they're all about type 2, but there is some research relating to type 1.
http://consumer.healthday.com/senio...linked-to-higher-risk-of-dementia-701455.html

If I do develop memory problems, I'll be talking to my GP instantly - we've already talked about me being at risk for dementia, and given the family history plus me now having diabetes, I got the impression the GP thought it was sensible to be vigilant. I don't have any memory problems at present, but I'm 68, so old enough to know I have to be alert to the possibility of this.

Have you talked to your GP about this?
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, is anyone having diabetes related memory problems, and how prevent/treat such problem?
Click to expand...
Have you discussed it with your doctor? The memory problems might be caused by diabetes or something else. If they are caused by diabetes, then maintaining blood glucose levels under 7.8 are likely to be the way to prevent/treat the problem, at a guess. There are exercises you can do for your brain to keep it active; you could try googling for brain or memory exercises. Use lists and notes to remember important things you need to do each day. Your phone alarm/reminder function can also be handy.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
Have you discussed it with your doctor? The memory problems might be caused by diabetes or something else. If they are caused by diabetes, then maintaining blood glucose levels under 7.8 are likely to be the way to prevent/treat the problem, at a guess. There are exercises you can do for your brain to keep it active; you could try googling for brain or memory exercises. Use lists and notes to remember important things you need to do each day. Your phone alarm/reminder function can also be handy.
Click to expand...
My current HB1AC is 7.0. I asked my doctor if too many hypos have long term effects on memory he said no. But I met with some type 1 patients and said they experienced some memory problems. That left me confused especially that I am experiencing a slight decline in my cognitive abilities. I don't know if this has to do with diabetes or with age!
 
elie1102 said:
My current HB1AC is 7.0. I asked my doctor if too many hypos have long term effects on memory he said no. But I met with some type 1 patients and said they experienced some memory problems. That left me confused especially that I am experiencing a slight decline in my cognitive abilities. I don't know if this has to do with diabetes or with age!
Click to expand...
What sort of decline are we talking about? Are you forgetting things, finding it hard to concentrate?

Do you have a lot of hypos? Are you on basal/bolus insulin with carb counting?
 
Hi,

I'm T1. No memory issues myself.. But have had experience of a non D close elderly relative with these issues.. (Sort term memory stuff.)
There are "memory clinics" that your GP can refer you to, where they do a series of tests & CT scans.. If you do get referred? Take someone with you that knows you & your character well. They may need to answer a questionnaire on your perceived state of mind..
 
Long standing diabetics who have poor control (both types) are prone to blood vessel damage in the brain and can develop memory problems if it affects certain parts of the brain, mainly the temporal lobe. This is not conventional dementia which is brain matter shrinking and the subsequent loss of brain cells. A MRI or CT would pinpoint any damage/lesions.
 
Have you had your thyroid checked as symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be memory loss as can low levels of B12. Both of these can be sorted fairly quickly. Another possible cause is statins. Do you take these?

You really need to see your G.P. again so that he arrange the necessary blood tests. It is only by a process of eliminating all the possible causes that a solution can be found.
How would you describe your symptoms?
 
catherinecherub said:
Have you had your thyroid checked as symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be memory loss as can low levels of B12. Both of these can be sorted fairly quickly. Another possible cause is statins. Do you take these?

You really need to see your G.P. again so that he arrange the necessary blood tests. It is only by a process of eliminating all the possible causes that a solution can be found.
How would you describe your symptoms?
Click to expand...
I agree, my original reply didn't mean to scare the pants off you. There are a lot of simple and easily reversible conditions affecting your memory - hypothyroidism, Vitamin B1 and B12 deficiency, anaemia and stress/depression. A common cause is hyperglycemia which causes fatigue and "brain fog". Get checked out.
 
There's a condition called Mild Cognitive Impairment which many people have before developing the Alzheimer's form of dementia. I saw my mother develop that and then go on to develop Alzheimer's. Memory is one of a variety of your cognitive skills that gets affected in those conditions. I think we're all wanting you to take this seriously - for one reason or another - and don't let your GP fob you off!
 
JenniferW said:
There's a condition called Mild Cognitive Impairment which many people have before developing the Alzheimer's form of dementia. I saw my mother develop that and then go on to develop Alzheimer's. Memory is one of a variety of your cognitive skills that gets affected in those conditions. I think we're all wanting you to take this seriously - for one reason or another - and don't let your GP fob you off!
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Do many 30 year olds develop this condition?

I think there are many other conditions that can potentially cause memory issues in people that age. @elie1102 have you ever had concussion? That can cause memory issues but often they improve on their own.
 
... Let's not forget, prolonged "recreational" drug use can cause certain memory issues too?!
Not that I am insinuating that's the case here!
 
I'd say we can't be a lot more help than we've already been. There are many, many causes of memory problems. From what people have said, you can see that there might be a link to diabetes, and it might be completely unrelated to it. You have to tap into the resources of the NHS to get this sorted out - just don't give up till you get answers which satisfy you!
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, is anyone having diabetes related memory problems, and how prevent/treat such problem?
Click to expand...

There are some real leap of linkage posts on this thread, you know 2 + 2 making unlikely totals?

I'd certainly back up a chat with your Doc about this, but in the meantime, I would suggest you try upping your water intake a bit. Dehydration is an extremely common cause of memory issues. My OH and I spend quite long periods in tropical climates and I know both of us notice our mental acuity goes right off if we aren't drinking enough. It's something very simple and very, very common. It doesn't have to be hot to become dehydrated.
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, is anyone having diabetes related memory problems, and how prevent/treat such problem?
Click to expand...
I find that at my age and just entering menopause, that would be the reason for my memory issues. I have been T1 for 45 years and I never experienced any memory issues until menopause turned my world upside down!
 
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