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Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, & Mental Decline

Wed, 01/31/2001 - 1:00am — Karen Stevenson
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The Mayo Clinic reports results of a new study, led by David Knopman, M.D, which links diabetes and high blood pressure in adults age 40-70 to a decline in mental ability. He said, "While the participants in the study may not have noticed any decline in their mental ability, the decline was statistically significant.""

The study also compared the results between two age groups: those under age 58 and those age 58 and older. Diabetes was associated with greater cognitive decline in both age groups when participants who have diabetes were compared to participants without the disease. High blood pressure, however, was found to be associated with greater cognitive decline in only the age 58 and older group of participants.

The researchers suggested that interventions aimed at hypertension or diabetes that begin before age 60 might lessen the burden of cognitive impairment in later life. Dr. Knopman said, "The results point to the fact that there are things some people may be able to do during middle age to help preserve our mental abilities later in life."

The Mayo Clinic reports results of a new study, led by David Knopman, M.D, which links diabetes and high blood pressure in adults age 40-70 to a decline in mental ability. He said, "While the participants in the study may not have noticed any decline in their mental ability, the decline was statistically significant.""

The study also compared the results between two age groups: those under age 58 and those age 58 and older. Diabetes was associated with greater cognitive decline in both age groups when participants who have diabetes were compared to participants without the disease. High blood pressure, however, was found to be associated with greater cognitive decline in only the age 58 and older group of participants.

The researchers suggested that interventions aimed at hypertension or diabetes that begin before age 60 might lessen the burden of cognitive impairment in later life. Dr. Knopman said, "The results point to the fact that there are things some people may be able to do during middle age to help preserve our mental abilities later in life."