Lowering blood sugar may reduce Alzheimer’s risk

Aging is associated with certain ailments, some of which concern seniors more than others. One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia, particularly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease. Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, recent research suggests reduc-ing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk.

A blood sugar level above normal levels (depending on activity level and weight, among other factors) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Studies show that those with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar, whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic. The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin. Insulin-degrading enzyme, a

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product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia.

People who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body. The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins. These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.

According to data published by Harvard Health, people who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains. People also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables and beans over a processed carbohydrateand sugar-laden diet.

Making simple lifestyle changes can keep older adults healthy throughout their golden years.

—MetroCreativeConnection