- Early-onset type 2 diabetes significantly increases dementia risk
- Younger diagnoses linked to nearly double the risk compared to later-onset cases.
- Prevention strategies focusing on managing diabetes and obesity could help reduce cognitive decline in younger adults.
A study from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing reveals that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age are at significantly higher risk of developing dementia later in life, with the risk being particularly elevated among those with obesity.
The research published in PLOS ONE highlights the need for tailored interventions that address both type 2 diabetes and obesity to reduce dementia risk.
While type 2 diabetes was once considered a condition of older adults, it’s increasingly common among younger people, with one in five cases globally now occurring in individuals under 40.
The study analysed data from over 1,200 adults aged 50 and older, tracked for up to 14 years.
It found a strong link between younger age at diabetes diagnosis and higher dementia risk:
- Adults diagnosed with diabetes before age 50 were nearly twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those diagnosed at 70 or older.
- Those diagnosed between 50–59 years or 60–69 years faced a similarly elevated risk, approximately 1.7 times higher.
- For every year younger at diagnosis, the risk of developing dementia increased by 1.9%.
The exact mechanisms behind this link are still being explored but researchers suggest several potential factors:
- Vascular complications caused by diabetes may damage blood vessels in the brain.
- High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance could impair brain function over time.
- Chronic inflammation which is a hallmark of diabetes may contribute to the development of dementia.
The study found that individuals with obesity and younger-onset diabetes (also known as Early Onset Type 2 Diabetes) had the highest likelihood of developing dementia which highlights the importance of addressing obesity through strategies like improved diet, regular physical activity, and medical interventions.
“Early onset type 2 diabetes has significant cognitive consequences, and our findings highlight the importance of preventing both diabetes and obesity to reduce dementia risk.” said Xiang Qi, assistant professor at NYU Meyers and the study’s lead author.
Targeted strategies may include:
- Supporting healthy lifestyle changes to manage or prevent obesity.
- Focusing on early and effective management of blood sugar levels in younger adults with diabetes.
- Raising awareness of the cognitive risks associated with type 2 diabetes, particularly for younger individuals.
“Our study highlights the importance of one’s age at diabetes diagnosis and suggests that specifically targeting obesity may play a role in staving off dementia in younger adults with diabetes.” said Wu.
