People living with type 1 diabetes may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, according to new research published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The study highlights a growing need to better understand long term neurological outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly as advances in medical care continue to extend life expectancy. While previous research has established a link between type 2 diabetes and dementia, this study suggests that the association may be even stronger for those with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers analysed data from 283,772 participants with an average age of 64, including 5,442 people with type 1 diabetes and 51,511 with type 2 diabetes. Over an average follow up period of 2.4 years, 2,348 individuals developed dementia. Among those with type 1 diabetes, 2.6% developed dementia, compared with 1.8% of those with type 2 diabetes and 0.6% of participants without diabetes.
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After adjusting for factors such as age and education, the findings indicated that people with type 1 diabetes were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those without diabetes. In comparison, individuals with type 2 diabetes were found to have approximately double the risk. The researchers also estimated that around 65% of dementia cases in people with type 1 diabetes could be attributed to the condition.
Despite these findings, the authors emphasised that the study demonstrates an association rather than a causal relationship. Type 1 diabetes remains relatively rare, accounting for around 5% of all diabetes cases, meaning its overall contribution to dementia prevalence is limited. However, for older adults living with the condition, the implications may be clinically significant.
The study relied on electronic health records and survey data to identify cases of diabetes and dementia, which may have led to underreporting. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association and to explore potential strategies for prevention or delay.
This news item has been summarised using AI and checked by humans before publication.
Sources
American Academy of Neurology
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