Posted under Blog on August 23rd, 2013 by Editorial Team / No Comments

A new tool to help predict the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes has been developed in the US.

The research team, from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in California, analysed the medical records of almost 30,000 people over the age of 60 with type 2 diabetes. The researchers recorded whether patients were diagnosed with dementia within 10 years of their entry into the study, with 17 per cent of the participants developing dementia during this period.

The team identified age, education, and six different diabetes-related health complications as the most important risk factors. The researchers incorporated them into a scoring system to be used to help doctors to spot those most at risk of developing dementia

Commenting on the research, Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development at the Alzheimer’s Society, said, “'People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia, but there are lots of related factors that can influence that risk. This tool could help doctors assess who may be most likely to develop the condition, and so monitor them for any changes in their memory and thinking to enable timely support, care and treatment.

“There is also the possibility that it may be useful in identifying people who could participate in research studies. With limited treatments available it is vital that we continue to find ways to support research aimed at developing new ways to care for, treat or prevent dementia.”

The study is published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Tags: alzheimer's research, Alzheimer's society, early detection of Alzheimer's