Type 2 Diabetes & Alzheimer's Disease: The Acetylcholinesterase Connection

Progressive and age related diseases are becoming increasingly more common. With many more adults reaching retirement, thus creating a burden upon the healthcare system, many families are concerned over the advancement of progressive disease and how it may impact the health of an aging parent.

Of the many age related and progressive diseases we encounter later in life, the development of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease pose some of the greatest challenges. Interestingly enough, there may be a connection between these two diseases, resulting in the pre-disposition to suffer from one when the other has developed. In fact, patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes are found to be at a greater risk for Alzheimer's disease, lending some degree of concern over the implications of prevention.

In contrast, those senior adults who suffer from the development of Alzheimer's disease are also at an increased risk for impaired fasting glucose levels and the development of irregular insulin management and the onset of type 2 diabetes. This cyclic effect is found in more and more senior adults in our community and is anticipated to become a combination threat of disease as the baby boomer population enters into retirement. If you are caring for a parent who is about to enter into retirement, or you are entering into retirement yourself, it is important to understand how this coexisting health complication may adversely impact your life.

While Alzheimer's disease can not be prevented, the development of type 2 diabetes, in many cases, can be prevented. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to manage your risk for type 2 diabetes may be the first step in managing proteins and enzymes that are vital to the protective benefit of the brain. By avoiding type 2 diabetes, you may be, therefore, reducing the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Of particular concern is the concentration of acetylcholinesterase which is found to be in abnormal levels in those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease as well as those with type 2 diabetes.