Dementia Risk Climbs When Combined With Diabetes and Depression

Research suggests our dementia risk climbs when combined with diabetes and depression. The research comes from the University of Washington.

Dr. Wayne Katon, lead author, says “Diabetes alone has shown to be a risk factor for dementia, as has major depression by itself.”

Our risk for dementia climbed from 4.8 percent (diabetes alone) to 7.9 percent (for depression and diabetes) according to the study.

Researchers noted depression is common among people who have diabetes. Until more research is available on the exact mechanisms behind the links between depression, diabetes, and dementia, the researchers say, “It seems prudent for clinicians to add effective screening and treatment for depression to other preventive measures such as exercise, weight control, and blood sugar control to protect against the development of cognitive deficits in patients with diabetes.”