Alzheimer's Disease - Type 3 Diabetes?
- janlindquist
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
Today, as chronic diseases continue to rise, Alzheimer’s Disease [AD] continues to be a concerning and growing problem for many.
This is one of my favorite pictures of my mom before her diagnosis of Alzheimer's. My mom was a complicated, brilliant, funny and passionate woman. She was raised in an era of "use what you have or figure out how to live without it".
As a teen, I chafed under her frugality, and many times I couldn't understand why we couldn't just be like everyone else? Isn't it funny that when we finally reach an age of some maturity, we find ourselves holding so many similar opinions and thoughts of those same parents?
I'm very grateful now for these wise and frugal guardrails in my life as I live out my days. Yet, this mom is not here to see her daughter in a calmer, less resentful version of the girl who I'm sure caused a lot of gray hairs and sleepless nights!
This post is dedicated to my mom Lenore, who was diagnosed with Alzeheimer's Disease before her 70th birthday. Our journey into caring for her during this progressive incurrable disease was grueling. We jumped in and began learning everything we could about this disease and tried to create a meaningful life for mom in the process.
Everyone was affected and the lingering sadness around watching her life slowly disappear was devastating.
What Exactly is Type 3 Diabetes?
Type 3 Diabetes is a term suggesting that Alzeheimer's disease can be linked to the fact that like diabetes, insulin travels into the brain cells and plays a critical role in how well we process information.
When the brain doesn't receive enough insulin or is unable to use it as it should, this affects how well the brain cells function on a daily basis. This is a fairly new concept and I'm urging you to pay attention to the critical need of proper blood sugar control for our cognition and memory.
Our brain requires proper insulin delivery and blood sugar control to support memory and thinking.
We already know that diabetes raises the risk of heart attack and stroke and elevates blood sugar levels that trigger inflammation.
Inflammation can create cells that are resistant, meaning they don't respond to insulin the way they should, especially if we are carrying excess weight.
Elevated blood sugar has also been linked to a higher level of protein pieces called beta amyloid which can clump together and get stuck between nerve cells in the brain blocking their ablity to "talk" to one another.
This is a main trait of Alzeheimer's disease.
None of this is good news for our bood vessels and damaged vessels in the brain could lead to Alzeheimer's.
Today; twenty years later, I feel it's time to put my oar in this conversation about Alzeheimer's Disease as Type 3 Diabetes. Even though this is still somewhat controversial in some circles, research has definitely linked the disease to insulin resistance which then leads to cognitive decline and memory loss.
Both Alzeheimer's and type 2 diabetes are associated with an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain [amyloid beta and tau.]
Similarities.
Risk factors, disease progression, and underlying biological mechanisms around insulin resistance and inflammation are shared.
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing Alzeheimer's disease.
Insulin resistance in the brain is also linked to Alzeheimer's pathology.
Both diseases are chronic and lead to neuro and cellular damage.
Increased weight and obesity increase risk.
Impaired glucose affects the brain causing a buildup of plaque.
Uncontrolled [poorly managed] type 2 diabetes directly damages brain structures which leads to impaired memory and learning. This mirrors Alzeheimer's disease pathology.
What Can I Do?
Get Tested. Make yearly or better yet, every 6 months have a full blood panel drawn. Pay close attention to both glucose and tryglycerides. These are markers that can allow us to see our risk for these debilitating diseases.
Reduce Sugar. Consumption of sugary treats and refined carbohydrates increases the brain-damaging cascade of memory loss, cognition, and inability to engage in life.
Eat More Quality Fat. This is especially helpful when transitioning from a high sugar diet because eating more fat will help with satiety and the ability to stop snacking throughout the day.
Manage Stress. Stress shrinks the memory center of our brain [hippocampus]. Find ways to relieve stressors through deep breathing, meditation, yoga, walking in nature and connecting with others.
Sleep Well. Lack of sleep can cause impaired brain function. Studies show that poor sleep becomes a risk factor for cognitive decline. Aim for 8 hours every night.
Move Your Body. Physical activity can prevent and even slow the progression of memory decline and brain diseases like dementia. A daily 30-minute walk can help a great deal in reducing this risk.
Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet. Focus on whole foods, quality fats, and antioxidants to combat inflammation.
Minimize Exposure. Reduce contact with pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollutants that can harm brain pathways.
Reduce/Eliminate Alcohol. Chronic use of alcohol rewires the brain, making it harder to think clearly, break bad habits, and adapt to change. Along with affecting our liver, daily alcohol use literally changes the way our brain learns and adapts.
There so many messages about improving our health outcomes and I understand that we are on information overload!
My hope is that we will choose wisely about what to adopt and what to dismiss.
I hope you will consider the huge impact cognitive decline has on quality of life as we age. Both Alzeheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes have far reaching life-altering conditions. For both of these diseases, decades of assalts have already occured so it's time my friends to pay attention and make some changes.
Denial, No Longer.
Don't neglect your blood work and then take stock of what needs some attention. You are more than worth the effort and consistency required to move your needle toward better health outcomes.
Lifestyle choices are the leading regulator of developing dementia. In fact over 40% of memory related diseases can be diminished through smart dietary strategies that focus on fiber, protein, quality fats, and eating mainly carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
Start with one change until it become a habit, then find another change to make.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
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