Growing concerns of dementia and Alzheimer’s in diabetic patients across India

Diabetes has long been associated with a range of serious health complications, but in recent years, there has been growing concern over its link to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. In India, where diabetes is a widespread condition, understanding the relationship between these two conditions is essential as the population ages.While heart disease, kidney issues, and eye problems are typically viewed as the primary consequences of diabetes, cognitive decline is emerging as an equally alarming complication.
The Rising Tide of Diabetes in India
India is often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world, with over 77 million people living with the condition. This growing burden of diabetes is not just a public health issue but also a major concern for mental health professionals. Studies have shown that Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, making it critical to address both conditions in tandem. High blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation are believed to contribute to the deterioration of brain function in diabetic patients.
Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Cognitive Decline
The connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s is multifaceted. Chronically elevated blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, including those in the brain, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to critical areas. This increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Moreover, insulin resistance, a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, may impair the brain’s ability to use glucose effectively, leading to brain cell damage and cognitive decline. Some researchers even refer to Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes” due to the role that insulin resistance plays in its development.
Inflammation, another common feature of diabetes, is also suspected of accelerating the progression of Alzheimer’s. Chronic inflammation can damage brain cells and disrupt neural pathways, further contributing to memory loss and cognitive difficulties.
Rising Prevalence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s in Diabetic Patients in India
As India faces a growing elderly population, cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s are on the rise. According to the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), over 4 million Indians currently suffer from some form of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common. The overlap with diabetes is concerning, as elderly diabetic patients are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to non-diabetic individuals.

With nearly 15% of the global diabetic population residing in India, the country’s healthcare system must confront this dual burden. Prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of both diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases are essential to mitigating the rising tide of cognitive decline in India. Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in addressing this growing concern. Efforts to develop medications that target both diabetes and cognitive decline are gaining traction.
A comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, blood sugar control, and cognitive screening is essential. Pharma companies are collaborating with healthcare providers to create awareness campaigns that encourage diabetic patients to monitor their cognitive health, alongside other diabetes-related complications.
In conclusion, the growing link between diabetes and cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, demands attention from all sectors of healthcare in India. Public health policies must address the prevention and management of both conditions simultaneously. At the same time, the pharmaceutical industry is in a unique position to innovate and create treatments that cater to the dual needs of diabetic and dementia patients. For individuals, managing diabetes well, engaging in regular mental exercises, and undergoing routine cognitive screenings may hold the key to preventing or delaying cognitive decline.
(By Dr. Aravind Badiger Technical Director BDR Pharmaceuticals)