It’s known that Alzheimer’s disease occurs more frequently in people with diabetes. Yet, surprisingly, a four-year study has indicated that in people with diabetes, Alzheimer’s progresses more slowly than it does in those without diabetes. Further study will be needed to confirm the finding. The researchers found no evidence that it was insulin or any other anti-diabetic medication that warded off the memory-robbing illness. They did speculate that the results might be explained by the fact that people with diabetes are more likely than others to take heart medications, which have been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Source: Neurology, Oct. 27, 2009