High blood sugar levels linked to memory loss

New research suggests that people with high blood sugar levels, even those who do not have diabetes, may have an increased risk for developing cognitive impairment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes is considered a risk factor for vascular dementia as it can damage blood vessels in the brain. This form of dementia is often caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain. But researchers from Germany now say that even those without diabetes who have high blood sugar levels may be at risk for impaired memory skills.

Clinically, even if your blood sugar levels are normal, lower blood sugar levels are better for your brain in the long run with regard to memory functions as well as memory-relevant brain structures. Furthermore, the researchers say their research suggests that changes in lifestyle strategies looking at improving glucose levels long-term could be a promising strategy to prevent cognitive decline in aging.

These findings are important because they indicate that even in healthy non-diabetic, non-impaired glucose tolerant individuals, lifestyle choices that tend to lower blood glucose levels in young and old individuals should be recommended.