Local Expert: Diabetes Doesn’t Cause Alzheimer’s

More than 26 million Americans have diabetes and a recent study showed a possible link between the onset of the Alzheimer’s disease and blood sugar levels.

Researchers found the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease showed up earlier in people with higher than normal blood sugar levels.

Dr. Oscar Lopez,an Alzheimer’s expert at UPMC wants to make sure people know having diabetes does not cause Alzheimer’s.

Lopez said,”The bottom line is we don't know what is causing Alzheimer’s. Diabetes may lower the threshold for a person who is going to have Alzheimer’s anyway; the symptoms will show up earlier.”

Lopez said symptoms may show up earlier because diabetics usually have vascular disease, which affects the small arteries of the brain, kidneys and heart.

“If vessels are in good shape, they may give you three or four more years of mental health, if they are not in good shape they will give you less years of good mental health,” Lopez said.

Lopez said staying in good health, exercising, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure under control may help keep Alzheimer’s at bay longer, but it may not prevent it.

Seniors at the Vintage Center in East Liberty are keeping their minds active through activities like playing cards, socializing and knitting.

Sandra Johnson is a diabetic who works out at the center regularly.

It’s paid off for her. She lost 50 pounds and has her diabetes under control and said she feels great.

Even though Lopez said it may be decades before anyone knows what causes Alzheimer’s he is optimistic that treatments for the disease will come sooner.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting at least five studies on Alzheimer’s treatments; one involves a possible vaccine for the disease.

“I'm hopeful. In a sense, there are so many trials and drugs being tested for disease that something important is about to happen and that will happen in the next ten years,” Lopez said.

To learn more about studies being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh check out The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer Disease Research Center.

Check these sites out for more information on Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's Foundation of AmericaNational Institutes of Health