Diabetics with dementia experience slower mental decline

Alzheimer's patients with diabetes tend to lose their memory at a slower rate than other non-diabetic sufferers, according to new findings.

Recent research published in the medical journal Neurology identified a link between diabetes and cognitive decline in people experiencing the onset of dementia.

Commenting on the study, Andrew Scheuber, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "It's not clear yet why people with diabetes appear to experience slower memory loss than other people with dementia.

"To reduce risk people should maintain a balanced diet, keep themselves fit and keep themselves socially active."

A report from the King's Fund released earlier this year forecast that the number of people with dementia is expected to rise significantly over the next two decades.

By 2026, the total projected cost of dementia will be £34.8 billion with a large proportion accounted for by informal care from relatives and friends.

At present, figures show that the condition costs the UK economy 17 billion a year.

Waist to Height Ratio is a better predictor of heart disease and diabetes risk than body mass index (BMI), according to new research. British scientists analysed a team of 300,000 people, and found that Waist...

Only one in five people in the UK eat the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day, according to a new poll. The YouGov survey of more than 2,000 UK adults, carried out for the World Cancer Research...

The number of people dying from cancer in their 50’s has fallen to its lowest record level. Figures from Cancer Research UK show a 40 per cent drop in cancer deaths among 50 to 59 year olds. Now, 185 in...

Experts at Oxford University have recommended a 20 per cent fat tax on sugary drinks to help with the UK’s obesity crisis. A recent study published in the Lancet Journal warned that almost half of British men...

A survey by Macmillan Cancer Support has revealed that people are often unprepared for the financial cost of cancer. Research by Macmillan Cancer Support has shown that the average cancer patient in Wales...