Diabetes and Dementia Link Explored in Historic Research Initiative

Strategic Insights -

The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), in collaboration with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) and the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), has embarked on a groundbreaking study to unravel the intricate link between diabetes and dementia. Led by MDRF Chairman Dr. V. Mohan, the research aims to explore the two-way relationship between blood sugar levels and cognitive decline. The study will utilize a large-scale screening of individuals above 60 years with diabetes and dementia at MDRF's Gopalapuram Centre for Healthy Ageing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study seeks to understand the relationship between blood sugar levels and vascular dementia, where poor blood flow affects cognitive function.
  • Patients will be screened and scored from 1 to 5 for cognitive function, with those below 3 receiving specialized care from psychiatrists, diabetologists, and yoga therapists.
  • MDRF is collecting data on sex, dietary, and geographical information of patients for the study.
  • India shows one of the fastest transitions in the world from pre-diabetes to diabetes, with 101 million cases projected to rise to 136 million, according to a 2023 ICMR study.
  • Research by MDRF found that cognitive decline increased with age, from 29% in patients under 64 to 48% in those above 85.
  • UK DRI is developing biomarkers for early diagnosis of diseases such as Alzheimer's.
  • UK DRI is also developing an app that combines blood test results with brain function scores to help users monitor brain health.

Statistics:

  • 101 million cases of diabetes projected to rise to 136 million in India (ICMR study, 2023)
  • 29% of patients under 64 experience cognitive decline (MDRF study)
  • 48% of patients above 85 experience cognitive decline (MDRF study)
  • MDRF Chairman Dr. V. Mohan stated that blood sugar, high or low, can cause vascular dementia, affecting cognitive function.
  • UK DRI Group Leader Dr. Henrik Zetterberg is developing biomarkers for early diagnosis of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Sources:

  • MDRF Chairman Dr. V. Mohan
  • MDRF President Dr. R. M. Anjana
  • UK DRI Group Leader Dr. Henrik Zetterberg
  • UK DRI Director Dr. Siddharthan Chandran
  • ICMR study (2023)
  • MDRF study