Abstract
The number of Americans that will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and the cost associated with treating AD, will rise exponentially in the next 40 years. Research has shown that blood sugar disorders may be linked to AD, with some even calling AD “type 3 diabetes”.
Of the 103 published studies evaluated, 15 were chosen. The studies covered a variety of evidence, explaining detailed causes as well as preventive methods. The evidence reinforced the idea that blood sugar disorders are linked to AD, while the exact reasons have not all been confirmed. The evidence emphasized several preventive tools that can be implemented to mitigate the development of blood sugar related AD: exercise, melatonin, circadian rhythm, diabetes medications, iron metabolism, vitamin and mineral optimization, and diet. Public health professionals need to take note. The evidence also exhibited several limitations. Blood sugar disorders and their link to AD is still relatively new, so the length of most studies may not be sufficient to make a strong conclusion about the connection. In addition, because the genetic component linking blood sugar disorders to AD is so important, yet in its infancy still, caution needs to be taken before making conclusions.