An association between high blood sugar levels and Alzheimer's disease is a focus of research led by Barbara Bendlin, PhD, associate professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology.

A Baton Rouge, Louisiana news outlet profiled research on a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease by Dr. Bendlin. 

When the body’s ability to respond to insulin is impaired – a condition referred to as insulin resistance or pre-diabetes – it may set the stage for development of Alzheimer’s disease. 

"The hypothesis is that diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but not everyone with diabetes is going to get Alzheimer's," said Dr. Bendlin. 

According to the American Diabetes Association, 27 percent of people aged 65 and older in the United States have diabetes and about half have pre-diabetes. People living with diabetes have a doubled risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Resources:

• "Alzheimer's Q&A: What relationship does diabetes have with Alzheimer's?," The Advocate, October 15, 2017