DIP-IN is connected with many organizations both local to our three communities as well as those that serve all Indianapolis and Marion County residents. For this quarterly update, we are highlighting our partner Vital Minds to discuss the connection between diabetes and brain health.
Thank you to Kathy Chapuran for providing us with this important information. If you are interested in learning more about Vital Minds, please explore their website.
Vital Minds is a Marion County-based cross-sector partnership focused on Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD). Focus areas in the ADRD realm include risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis, and caregiver/care partner support. This work is led by the Marion County Public Health Department. Vital Minds work is funded by a Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs cognitive function and the ability to perform daily activities.
The 2024 update from The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care identifies 14 modifiable risk factors that, if addressed, could prevent or delay around 40% of dementia cases globally.
One of the modifiable risk factors noted in the Lancet report is diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels, which results in reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain. This can increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and confusion.
By aiming to prevent Type 2 diabetes or managing diabetes, dementia risk may be able to be reduced. Blood sugar levels are an important component of diabetes. Here are some ways to help manage blood sugar and protect brain health:
- Eat healthy meals
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Do not use tobacco products
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Take medications as prescribed
There are resources available in the area that may be helpful:
- Marion County Public Health Department’s ABCs of Diabetes Program
- YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program
- Fresh Bucks
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