In addition to all of the other unpleasant complications of diabetes, some research studies now reveal that diabetes, especially type 2, may be a risk factor for later developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia (Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209735/ ).
Some people even call Alzheimer’s “Type 3 diabetes.” Among the mechanisms that contribute to dementia are inflammation of the nervous system, oxidative stress, and dysfunction of the energy centers of the cells (mitochrondria). Together with high blood sugar levels and excess (ineffective) insulin, the brain ends up making increased amounts of a brain marker of dementia, i.e., beta amyoid.
Alzheimer’s disease has multiple physical symptoms that indicate its presence in the human body. If you exhibit these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
There have been many studies and treatment advances since we first started learning about Alzheimer’s. There are medications that may help relieve your symptoms and delay the onset of further challenges.
There are also some natural remedies and strategies that may help as well.
Learn more about the physical symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
- Difficulty with talking. One of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is having difficulty talking and expressing yourself.
- You may experience issues with remembering the right words and names for things.
- You may also experience issues with forgetting new information you just learned. These memory lapses are often called forgetfulness, but they can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Issues completing tasks. Do you see a loved one struggling with common tasks such as pouring a cup of coffee or remembering how to use the microwave?
- As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, you may notice more difficulty with everyday tasks. Simple tasks such as remembering how to button a shirt, how to put away dishes, or how to turn on the television may become challenging or even impossible.
- Getting lost. If you’re in an unfamiliar area for the first time, you may get lost. However, Alzheimer’s disease can affect the mind and make you get lost in a familiar neighborhood. It can progress quickly, and you may feel lost in a grocery store you visit every week.
- One of the issues that is common among Alzheimer’s disease patients is their tendency to wander, especially later in the day and evening. They can get lost easily and being in a familiar area doesn’t protect them.
Families often need to add new indoor locks on doors that open to the outside to prevent a loved one with dementia from wandering out of the house and getting lost.
- Sleep issues. Sleep issues can be symptoms of multiple diseases, and one of them is Alzheimer’s. If you are experiencing insomnia, trouble staying asleep, or other sleep issues, then it’s time to consult a doctor.
- Alzheimer’s disease can affect sleep patterns and make it more difficult to rest.
- In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have noticed two main sleep categories. The first one includes those who can’t sleep and suffer from insomnia. The second one includes those who sleep too much and can’t stay awake.
- Issues with hygiene. Alzheimer’s disease can make you forget to take care of yourself, so basic hygiene suffers.
- Researchers note that Alzheimer’s disease patients have trouble with basic tasks such as brushing their teeth and combing their hair. They may neglect essential hygiene habits and not notice it.
- Inadequate hygiene and poor grooming can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Wearing disheveled or worn out clothes may be another warning sign. In addition, they may wear the same clothes all of the time and refuse to change.
- Issues with walking. Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect the mind. It also affects fine motor skills and mobility, making it more difficult to walk.
- Getting frustrated and angry. Alzheimer’s disease affects the mind while you slowly lose your memories and ability to retain new information. Frustration and anger are common signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The frustration and anger comes from being confused and lost. It also comes from forgetting things and not understanding what is happening. Alzheimer’s patients become scared and agitated by their surroundings.
- Mood swings are also a common challenge among those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. You may notice more angry outbursts and arguments. You may also notice them becoming withdrawn.
Alzheimer’s disease has symptoms that can be tracked and shared with a doctor. If you suspect a loved one may have the disease, consider talking to a medical professional to explore options that can help.
Also consider finding an integrative MD or a naturopathic doctor (ND) with experience in treating people with dementia using natural remedies such as resveratrol, curcumin, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Doing everything possible to control blood sugar levels and try other treatments (conventional and/or natural) under medical supervision seems like a worthwhile strategy to offset the risks of diabetes and dementia.
