Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Osmotic Minipump Implantation for Increasing Glucose Concentration in Mouse Cerebrospinal Fluid
06:21

Osmotic Minipump Implantation for Increasing Glucose Concentration in Mouse Cerebrospinal Fluid

Published on: April 7, 2023

Subgroups of Alzheimer's disease associated with diabetes mellitus based on brain imaging

Raita Fukazawa1, Haruo Hanyu, Tomohiko Sato

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
|April 19, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Brain imaging reveals distinct Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) subgroups. One subgroup shows characteristics linked to DM metabolic abnormalities, suggesting varied dementia progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are prevalent conditions.
  • The interplay between AD and DM, particularly type 2 DM, is complex.
  • Brain imaging may reveal distinct AD subgroups in patients with DM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define potential subgroups of Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).
  • To investigate these subgroups using brain imaging techniques.
  • To examine the clinical characteristics of identified subgroups.

Main Methods:

  • 175 patients with diagnosed AD and type 2 DM were classified into 4 subgroups.
  • Classification was based on the presence/absence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) on MRI and posterior cerebral hypoperfusion on SPECT.
  • Clinical characteristics were compared across the subgroups.

Main Results:

  • A subgroup without CVD or AD imaging patterns showed older age, higher HbA1c, longer diabetes duration, and more insulin use.
  • This subgroup also had less medial temporal lobe atrophy but more impaired attention and word recall.
  • No distinct features were identified in other subgroups.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical features of AD associated with DM vary based on brain imaging patterns.
  • A distinct dementia subgroup may exist with characteristics primarily related to DM metabolic abnormalities.
  • Further research is needed to understand these specific subgroups.

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...