Epidemiological Evidence of the Relationship Between Diabetes and Dementia

Growing epidemiological evidence has suggested that subjects with diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk for the development of dementia. However, the results for the subtypes of dementia are inconsistent. This review examined the risk of dementia in subjects with diabetes mellitus and discusses the possible mechanism underlying this association. Diabetes mellitus is associated with a 1.5- to 2.5-fold greater risk of dementia among community-dwelling elderly people. Notably, diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for not only vascular dementia but also Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms underlying the association are unclear, but it may be multifactorial in nature, involving factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, glucose toxicity, changes in insulin metabolism, and inflammation. The optimal management of these risk factors in early life may be important to prevent future dementia. Furthermore, novel therapeutic strategies will be needed to prevent or reduce the development of dementia in subjects with diabetes mellitus.