Higher Blood Sugar May Raise Dementia Risk

A new study suggests that higher blood sugar may increase people’s risk of developing dementia. In the study, the risk increased along with blood sugar levels. Even people without diabetes had a slightly higher risk of dementia if their blood sugar was above ideal levels. The study included 2,067 people. All were 65 and older. In the 5 years before the study began, all of them had their blood sugar measured at least 5 times. Researchers used a formula to produce an average blood sugar figure for each person. When the study began, about 10% of the total group had diabetes. Nobody had dementia. The study lasted 7 years. Researchers gave people regular tests of memory and thinking skills. By the end of the study, about 25% of the total group had dementia.