Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Brain Health in Older Adults Across Diverse Populations

A recent study led by researchers at USC has revealed a notable connection between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and brain structural health in elderly individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, the research highlights that individuals with T2DM tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in regions vital for memory and cognitive processes such as the temporal and parietal lobes.

This large-scale research utilized advanced neuroimaging to assess cortical thickness and hippocampal volume among participants from the diverse Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD) cohort, which includes Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic white adults. The findings suggest that poor blood sugar management is associated with cortical thinning, a marker linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions.

Notably, the study found that the association between T2DM and cortical thinning persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and common health conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The strongest link was observed in Hispanic participants, highlighting significant racial and ethnic disparities. In contrast, no significant effect was found among non-Hispanic Black participants, emphasizing the necessity for personalized strategies in managing diabetes and preserving brain health.

"Proper control of blood sugar levels through treatments and lifestyle changes can potentially safeguard brain health," states Amaryllis A. Tsiknia, the lead Ph.D. student on the project. The research underscores the importance of targeted interventions aimed at improving glycemic control, especially in at-risk populations.

This study is part of larger efforts by initiatives like HABS-HD, which collect comprehensive data, including cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and biochemical analyses, to better understand and combat diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. The findings pave the way for future longitudinal studies to determine if these brain alterations accelerate cognitive decline and to explore the impact of diabetes treatments and lifestyle modifications on brain health.

As the prevalence of T2DM continues to rise, especially among minority groups, these insights reinforce the critical role of effective disease management in preventing neurological deterioration and supporting healthy aging.