Diabetes and dementia: a common link or coincidental coexistence?

Abstract

Both diabetes and dementia are common problems effecting the elderly population. Often these two conditions coexist. Over the last 15 years is has been suggested that they are linked and a mechanism has been sought. In this Dance Round article, evidence available from Medline searches stretching from the laboratory bench to the meta-analysis of clinical trials is reviewed. This evidence shows us a link may well exist, leading some to suggest Alzheimer's disease is a third type of diabetes, but despite some promising research developments, the precise nature of this connection at present eludes us and provides as many questions for us to ponder as is does answers for us to consider.

NGF-ome: its metabotrophic expression. Homage to Rita Levi-Montalcini

“…The World Health Organization has predicted a "globesity epidemic" with more than one billion adults being overweight (BMI over 25 kg/ m 2 ) and at least 400 million of these being clinically obese (BMI over 30 kg/m 2 ). Moreover, CMD are associated with cognitive and mood disorders including Alzheimer's disease and depression (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Arguably, we have learned more about the molecular control of food intake and energy homeostasis, particularly, the role played by adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including CMD.…”