Is cardiovascular risk factor prevention necessary? The influence of diabetes mellitus in the development of Alzheimer's dementia

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, causing major progressive deficits in cognitive function and memory. Currently, over 35 million people worldwide are affected by this disease. Hyperglycemia is a well-known risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases in adults, but recent studies have shown that it is also closely linked to the development of cognitive impairment and dementia. Moreover, chronic exposure to hyperglycemia can affect cognitive function and other mental diseases as well. This is worrying considering that over 176 million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and estimated to reach 366 million by 2030. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the presence of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors and the risk of developing AD.