Type 3 Diabetes: The Connection Between Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that there are 38.4 million people of all ages - or 11.6% of the U.S. population - living with diabetes as of the year 2021. The percentage of adults with diabetes has been found to increase with the aging process, evidenced by the fact that 29.2% of adults aged 65 years and older have been diagnosed with this chronic medical condition. As of 2021, diabetes is currently listed as the 8th leading cause of death globally. 22.8% of all adults in the United States with diabetes were not aware that they had diabetes, and another estimated 97.6 million adults were diagnosed with prediabetes, as of 2021. Left untreated, the condition of prediabetes will progress to full-blown diabetes in an average of 4 to 5 years. This single chronic medical condition is indeed a growing epidemic. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and this chronic medical condition is, (as of 2021), listed as the 5th leading cause of death in people over the age of 65 years. Although age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, it is not a normal part of the aging process. It is estimated that approximately 67% of all nursing home residents have some degree of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s Disease, and will require comprehensive care to ensure optimal health and wellness outcomes. 

The purpose of this course is to introduce healthcare professionals to the research findings indicating that the causes and long-term effects of chronic poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes may indeed be directly affecting the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. In doing so, providers will be educated on the importance of early intervention in chronic disease management to lower the incidence of long-term complications.