A study of the brain images of 124 cognitively normal, non-diabetic adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease showed a link between high blood sugar and reduced brain metabolism. (Credit: U. Arizona)

About 5 percent of men and women, ages 65 to 74, have Alzheimer’s disease, and it is estimated that nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. Among known risks are age and genetics.

A new University of Arizona study, published in the journal Neurology, suggests a possible link between elevated blood sugar levels and risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
About 5 percent of men and women, ages 65 to 74, have Alzheimer’s disease, and it is estimated that nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among the known factors that contribute to the disease are age and genetics. Scientists also think that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes may increase risk. [continue reading…]