Study: Diabetes Could Cause Signs Of Aging, Cognitive Decline In Brain
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A new study claims diabetes might have a direct effect on the brain.
The research, which was done by the University of Pittsburgh, found that MRIs of middle aged patients with Type 1 diabetes showed about one third of them had signs of aging and neurological disorders.
The researchers also say diabetics had lower scores when it came to processing information and verbal intelligence.
Scientists conclude that the findings should encourage doctors to screen diabetics for cognitive issues.
"Further study in younger patients is needed, but it stands to reason that early detection and intervention – such as controlling cardiometabolic factors and tighter glycemic control, which help prevent microvascular complications – also could reduce or delay these cognitive complications," says senior author Caterina Rosano, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor in Pitt Public Health's Department of Epidemiology, on the school's website.
The research is set to be published in the May 19th issue of the journal Neurology.