http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=217172
High blood sugar may increase Alzheimer's disease risk
Sunday July 19, 2009 (0055 PST)
ISLAMABAD: People with high blood sugar levels may increase the risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease, said researchers from the Karolinska Institute,
Stockholm, Sweden.
The researchers presented the findings of the study at the 10th
International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders in Madrid
Monday.
The study, included 1,173 people aged 75 and older for 9 years, found
that the risk of developing dementia was highest in people with pre-diabetes
who had high blood pressure as well. The condition with high blood sugar levels
that is not yet in the established diabetes range is called pre-diabetes.
Researchers said that people with higher than normal blood sugar levels could
be at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease at a later stage.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older
people. It is estimated that up to 4 million Americans suffer from dementia. It
usually starts after 60 years of age and the risk increases as people age.
People afflicted with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble remembering
recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. The
disease develops gradually and a person might live for 8 to 10 years after
initial diagnosis, but can stretch up to 20 years.
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