Diabetes
and Poor Cognitive Functioning
In Relation to Memory
Recent studies have shown links
between diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers
and dementia. Researchers point to several possibilities for this
link: poor blood flow can alter the brain’s chemistry, diabetes
damages blood vessels that supply the brain, fluctuating hormones
may impair cognition, small strokes may be occurring that can cause
minor brain damage, and poor diet can prevent clear thinking. Diabetes
sufferers that ingest unhealthy, high fat foods may increase the
possibility of cell damage that can lead to memory declines as well.
Some of the techniques you can use to minimize memory impairment
if you suffer from diabetes and feel that your memory is being negatively
affected are:
- Constant blood sugar monitoring to ensure
healthy blood flow and blood vessels
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Stress reducing activities
Diabetes is a serious illness and memory
loss is just one of the many symptoms that accompany it. It can
help to keep track of your memory lapses and see if there is a common
denominator that may be your own trigger against memory retention.
If you feel that your memory loss is increasing you should contact
your healthcare provider and let them know what your concerns are.
This is an important step to take in order to rule out any other
possible underlying conditions that may be contributing to the memory
loss.
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