Study: Diabetes Could Affect Cognitive Abilities
CHICAGO (CBS) -- People who suffer from long-term type 2 diabetes might also experience negative effects on their brain.
Research in the journal Neurology tested the cognitive skills of 40 patients, with an average age of 66. Nineteen had type 2 diabetes, and 21 did not. After a two-year study, those with diabetes scored lower on memory tests and thinking skills.
"People with type 2 diabetes have impaired blood flow regulation. Our results suggest that diabetes and high blood sugar impose a chronic negative effect on cognitive and decision-making skills," said study author Dr. Vera Novak, of Harvard Medical School. "Early detection and monitoring of blood flow regulation may be an important predictor of accelerated changes in cognitive and decision-making skills."
Novak said more studies are needed, involving more patients and a longer time period, to better understand the connection between blood flow regulation, and cognitive abilities.