New research suggests diabetes and high blood pressure could double risk of early death in people with Alzheimer's
Published 4 November 2008
Diabetes and high blood pressure could decrease length of life in those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research to be published in the the journal, Neurology.
The American study, investigating how long older people live following a diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease, also found that survival rates were influenced by ethnic background and age of diagnosis.
Dementia, which is caused by diseases such as Alzheimer's, is known to greatly increase risk of death and it is estimated that one in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
Susanne Sorensen, Alzheimer's Society Head of Research, commented,
'We already know that high blood pressure and diabetes increase the risk of developing dementia. This research tells us that people with diabetes or high blood pressure also have a shorter life once diagnosed with dementia.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. Improving our understanding of the relationship between dementia and other diseases is highly beneficial as this could help us discover ways to reduce risk and improve lives.'
Alzheimer's Society funds research to improve care for people today and seeks to find a cure for tomorrow.
