Stress raises risk of mental decline in older diabetics

February, 2010

A large study of older adults with type-2 diabetes has found those with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol are more likely to have experienced cognitive decline.

A study involving over 1000 older men and women (60-75) with type-2 diabetes has found that those with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to have experienced cognitive decline. Higher fasting cortisol levels were associated with greater estimated cognitive decline in general intelligence, working memory and processing speed. This was independent of mood, education, metabolic variables and cardiovascular disease. Strategies aimed at lowering stress levels may be helpful for older diabetics.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-02/uoe-srr022210.php

Reference:

[161] Reynolds, R. M., Strachan M. W., Labad J., Lee A. J., Frier B. M., Fowkes F. G., et al.
(2010). Morning cortisol levels and cognitive abilities in people with type 2 diabetes: the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study.
Diabetes Care.

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