Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people in the U.S. Let’s look at the Dementia-Alzheimer’s connection, and the connection to diabetes.

Dementia Facts

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that dementia is a general term to describe symptoms such as a decline in memory and other thinking skills such as reasoning. There are many types of dementia.

It is a myth that dementia is part of the normal aging process. Dementia is caused by damage to certain brain cells.

The damage affects a person’s ability to remember or to make everyday decisions. The symptoms often vary from one person to another person.

Alzheimer’s Disease Facts

The National Institute on Aging explains that Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder. It causes specific changes in the brain. It affects parts of the brain that are involved with memory, reasoning, social behavior, and language.

Researchers do not fully understand Alzheimer’s, which affects nearly six million people across the U.S.

The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Connection

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is one of several types of dementia. Everyone that has dementia does not progress to Alzheimer’s disease.

Changes in the brain may occur years before a person has symptoms of memory loss, language difficulties, or difficulty completing tasks.

The risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease include family history, age, and poor heart health.

The Diabetes-Alzheimer’s Disease Connection

There is a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers do not fully understand the connection. They do suggest that dietary habits and lifestyle may play a role. Both conditions share several pathophysiological features.

Lower your potential risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by keeping your diabetes under control.