Elevated inflammatory markers in diabetes‐related dementia

Abstract

(29%) were male. A total of 208 participants completed the questionnaire, of which 132 (63.5%) are aged less that 65 years and 76 (36.5%) where aged 65 years or older. No significant differences were found between age groups, level of education, family history of dementia and immigration status. Both sexes performed poorly on question 1 (females 24%; males 22%, χ 2 = 0.95, P = 0.759). However, in question 2, both sexes recognized symptoms of dementia (females 64%; males 75%, χ 2 = 2.27, P = 0.132). Albeit in question 3, men were more informed on dementia prognosis (females 32%; males 50%, χ 2 = 5.62, P = 0.017). Our survey shows that males and females recognize symptoms of dementia, but continue to exhibit the misconception that dementia is a natural process of aging, which is consistent with those found in prior research.2 Also worrisome is that women seem to know less about the prognosis of dementia than men. This could be related to Asian-American females creating stronger social support; that they are more likely than men to serve as caregivers to those with dementia. 3,4 Prior studies have shown, even without education as a confounding factor, these caregivers combine a folk and biomedical model to describing dementia. With consistently misinformed female caregivers continuing their role every generation, differences in sex impressions of dementia could develop due to how information is disseminated to the next generation of caregivers. As such, properly informed females are the bridge to early disease recognition and seeking treatment.3,4 If Asian-American females do not understand that dementia decreases lifespan, this could delay early medical intervention. 4 The study's limitations include the participant group consisting mainly of females and research only consisting of three questions. Despite these limitations, the present study alludes to the gaps in knowledge needing to be filled in the Asian-American community. With this community already underutilizing mental healthcare, dementia management in this population is grim without prompt intervention.3 To this end, clinical efforts should be made to further dementia knowledge among AsianAmericans, especially for women, as they are the forerunners to preventing delays in care. Building on this foundation might finally help improve dementia management within the fastest growing minority group. Disclosure statementThe authors declare no conflict of interest. Elevated inflammatory markers in diabetes-related dementia † Dear Editor,Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown to increase the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. 1 In our previous study, we defined a dementia subgroup with characteristics predominantly associated with DM-related metabolic abnormalities.2 This type of dementia, showing neither cerebrovascular disease (CVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nor parietotemporal hypoperfusion on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), was clinically characterized by old age, high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), long duration of diabete...

Ambulatory glucose profile in diabetes‐related dementia

“…The nervous system might be particularly vulnerable to glycemic variability . Our previous study showed that inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are associated with development of dementia and progression of cognitive decline in patients with DrD, but not in those with AD[+DM] . The present findings suggest that glucose variability is also associated with cognitive impairment in DrD.…”

Peripheral oxidative stress markers in diabetes‐related dementia

“…In our previous study, we found that inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6, were significantly higher in the DrD group than in the AD+DM group, and correlated with cognitive performance in the DrD group, indicating a possible role for inflammatory markers in cognitive impairment. 27 Our findings suggest that oxidative stress is also an important factor that might be involved in the pathophysiology of this dementia subgroup.…”

Frailty in diabetes‐related dementia

“…In our previous studies, patients with DrD showed significantly higher peripheral inflammatory and oxidative stress markers than those with AD − DM or AD + DM. 8,9 Although the exact inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms that contribute to frailty remain unclear, increased inflammation and high oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiology associated with frailty in patients with DrD. Frailty is associated with a greater risk for adverse health outcomes including falls, disability, institutionalization and death.…”