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December 2, 2024 — A groundbreaking study led by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing has uncovered a concerning link between early-onset type 2 diabetes and an elevated risk of dementia later in life. Published in PLOS ONE, the research reveals that individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50 face a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those diagnosed later. Obesity compounds this risk.
“Our study suggests cognitive consequences tied to earlier onset type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need for preventive strategies addressing both diabetes and obesity,” stated Xiang Qi, assistant professor at NYU Meyers and the study’s lead author.
Rising Trend in Younger Populations
While type 2 diabetes was once associated with older adults, it is increasingly affecting younger generations. Currently, one in five individuals with the condition worldwide is under the age of 40. The study emphasizes the need for greater awareness of how earlier diagnoses can impact long-term cognitive health.
Study Design and Key Findings
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, a comprehensive U.S.-based project tracking individuals aged 50 and older from 2002 to 2016. The study included 1,213 participants with confirmed type 2 diabetes but no dementia at the start. Over a follow-up period of up to 14 years, 17.8% of participants developed dementia.
The findings were striking:
- Adults diagnosed before age 50 were nearly 1.9 times more likely to develop dementia than those diagnosed at 70 or older.
- Those diagnosed between 50-59 and 60-69 were 1.72 and 1.7 times more likely, respectively.
- For every year younger at diagnosis, dementia risk increased by 1.9%.
These results underscore the graded relationship between the age of diabetes onset and dementia risk.
The Role of Obesity
Obesity emerged as a critical factor. Individuals with obesity who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 50 had the highest risk of dementia among study participants. This suggests that interventions targeting obesity could be pivotal in reducing cognitive decline risks.
“Prior studies indicate that mid-life diabetes diagnoses can lead to more vascular complications, poor blood sugar control, and insulin resistance—key contributors to cognitive impairment,” noted Bei Wu, vice dean for research at NYU Meyers and senior author of the study.
Path Forward: Preventing Cognitive Decline
The research offers actionable insights into reducing dementia risk. It suggests focusing on weight management through diet, exercise, or medication as part of a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes in younger adults.
“Our findings highlight the importance of considering age at diabetes diagnosis and addressing obesity to potentially stave off dementia,” Wu added.
Reference
The study, titled “Age at diagnosis of diabetes, obesity, and the risk of dementia among adult patients with type 2 diabetes”, was supported by the National Institute of Aging and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities. Co-authors include Zheng Zhu, Huabin Luo, and Mark D. Schwartz.
For more information, access the full study in PLOS ONE: DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310964.
