The relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and dementia are set to rise inexorably over the next 30-40 years. There are now substantial data to suggest that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of dementia.


METHODS
This is a narrative review using data from individual studies and review articles known to the authors. A Medline search was also undertaken and reference lists were reviewed to identify additional relevant studies.


RESULTS
Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of both Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia, although the reality is that many affected individuals have mixed forms of dementia.


RESULTS
The mechanisms underpinning this association remain to be clearly delineated. Type 2 diabetes is a complex disorder and so it is likely that multiple different, synergistic processes may interact to promote cognitive decrements.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent data suggest that glucocorticoids excess and elevated inflammatory markers may also have a role in the aetiology of diabetes-related cognitive impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Large-scale, prospective epidemiological studies are now required to accurately delineate the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in people with type 2 diabetes. These are underway and randomized trials of diabetes-specific interventions are also starting to include cognitive function as an outcome measure.
Strachan
Mark W J
MW
Metabolic Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH42XU, UK. mark.strachan@luht.scot.nhs.uk
Reynolds
Rebecca M
RM
Frier
Brian M
BM
Mitchell
Rory J
RJ
Price
Jacqueline F
JF
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000209:etiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D005938:Glucocorticoids