Health
Blood Sugar Spikes Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk
Health Points
- New research connects frequent blood sugar spikes with a higher chance of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Keeping blood glucose steady may benefit both diabetes prevention and long-term brain health.
- Proper blood sugar management can help reduce risks of cognitive decline as you age.
Recent findings reveal that sharp increases in blood sugar after meals may raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, especially for those genetically predisposed.
Experts suggest that maintaining balanced blood glucose is important not only for metabolic health but also for protecting brain function as we age.
“We are slowly piecing together the mechanism that links blood sugar to brain health,” says Andrew Mason, PhD, of the University of Liverpool.
“Keeping blood sugar stable may be good not only for diabetes prevention, but also for brain health in the longer term,” says Vicky Garfield, PhD, study coauthor.
This study analyzed genetic and health data from over 350,000 adults aged 40-69, focusing on variations impacting how the body processes glucose.
The results showed that individuals with a genetic tendency for higher blood sugar levels after eating faced a 69% greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those without such genetics.
“But it doesn’t mean 69 out of 100 people will get Alzheimer’s — the actual risk still depends on age and other factors,” Garfield explains.
Having a healthy approach to blood sugar monitoring through diet, exercise, and medication is essential for brain health, especially for those with diabetes or prediabetes.
“Good glucose control is one way to lower risk of cognitive decline with aging,” says Cathryn Devons, MD, chief of geriatrics at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to support brain health and manage your blood sugar through lifestyle choices as you age.