Diabetes can potentially lead to cognitive impairment. Individuals that have type 1 diabetes and that have type 2 diabetes are both at risk of experiencing cognitive decline. Although many people with diabetes experience mild cognitive decline, diabetics are at risk of experiencing cognitive deficits at even the early stages of diabetes.

Cognitive challenges may be different for each person. Some people experience mild forgetfulness, while other people may experience a greater risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are more likely to progress to Alzheimer’s disease. People that are even in the early stages of type 2 diabetes may show signs of brain dysfunction. People with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to show an accelerated cognitive decline in some areas of cognitive functioning.

The risk of cognitive decline increases among people that have had diabetes for more than 10 years, and among those that are older than 65 years of age.

People that have poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of cognitive challenges, compared to people with diabetes that have well-controlled blood sugar.

Some causes of cognitive challenges among individuals with diabetes may be linked to damaged blood vessels, damaged nerves leading to the brain, and other complications of diabetes.

Your care team will help you cope with cognitive challenges by ordering diagnostic testing and appropriate care and treatment.