Youth-Onset Diabetes Linked to Increased Alzheimer's Risk- Study

In the study, published in the journal Endocrines, scientists showed the presence of specific blood biomarkers indicating early signs of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in young people with youth-onset diabetes.

Youth-onset diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is associated with various metabolic abnormalities and vascular complications that can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's pathology. Additionally, insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia, common features of diabetes, may impair brain function and promote the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, characteristic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

Moreover, diabetes-related vascular damage can disrupt blood flow to the brain, exacerbating cognitive decline and increasing the risk of brain-related disease.

The study examined approximately 80 individuals, utilizing blood biomarkers and PET scans to detect signs of neurodegenerative disease in young adults living with diabetes. Participants comprised individuals with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and those without diabetes, sourced from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, a widespread registry and cohort study.

The results revealed that young individuals with youth-onset diabetes not only exhibited elevated blood biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease but also showed increased deposition of amyloid proteins in brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease.

These findings raised concerns among researchers, particularly in light of the escalating rates of obesity among young people and the trend of diabetes onset occurring at younger ages.

“Preliminary evidence shows that preclinical AD neuropathology is present in young people with youth-onset diabetes. We are about to enter into a different world of health care because of the obesity epidemic in young people. Young people are catching up with adults. We are now seeing more ageing-related diseases in young people. The field of diabetes care is beginning to recognize the importance of cognitive testing as a part of clinical follow-up. And it should be something we consider in youth-onset diabetes as well,” said the study’s lead author, Allison Shapiro, assistant professor of paediatrics and endocrinology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Reference: Shapiro, A.L.B.; Coughlan, C.; Bettcher, B.M.; Pauley, M.E.; Kim, J.; Bjornstad, P.; Rajic, B.; Truong, J.; Bell, C.; Choi, Y.J.; et al. Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology in Adolescents and Young Adults with Youth-Onset Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Endocrines 2024, 5, 197-213. https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines5020014