The risk of developing cognitive impairment increases in aging individuals who have type 2 diabetes. To prevent dementia earlier, especially to those who have reached middle age, a regular blood sugar level check-up by their doctor is recommended. Although doctors know neither the cause of Alzheimer’s or how it is linked with diabetes, home health agencies provides you with some research on how it is connected.

As a home health expert, we give you several ways on how high blood sugar level can affect your brain:

• Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which in turn, harms the heart and blood vessels. Stroke can block an artery in your brain, reducing blood circulation and depriving your brain of vital oxygen and nutrients. Generally, damaged blood vessels may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Insulin can put the different chemicals on our brain out of balance. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. They help in facilitating communication between the nerve cells. Too much of insulin in the body can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, triggering Alzheimer’s disease.
• High blood sugar level causes inflammation and with type 2 diabetes, this inflammation is internal. As type 2 diabetes starts to develop, the body becomes less sensitive to insulin and the resulting insulin resistance leads to inflammation. This may damage brain cells, paving the way for Alzheimer’s to develop.

Even though preventing diabetes may not stop Alzheimer’s from developing, simple lifestyle changes can help avoid diabetes and cut the risk of such illness. And with the help of a home care in Connecticut, such as At-HomeCare of CT, LLC, we can help you reach your goal toward a healthier lifestyle, such as the following:

• losing at least 5 percent of body weight – just 10 pounds in someone weighing 200 pounds
• exercising at least 30 minutes five days each week
• eating a healthy, low-fat diet

If you or your loved ones are facing the challenges of dementia, let us help.