Type 2 Diabetes linked to mental decline


There’s more evidence that healthy eating and exercise doesn’t just help you stay fit and young – it also keeps your mind sharp.

As reported recently by the New York Times, a new study published in the Archives of Neurology found that people with Diabetes, especially Type 2, or Adult Onset Diabetes, tended to experience more cognitive decline than other seniors.

“What we’ve shown is a clear association with diabetes and cognitive aging in terms of the slope and the rate of decline on these cognitive tests,” the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, told the newspaper.

Type 2 Diabetes, unlike Type 1 Diabetes, typically develops as a result of overweight and lack of physical exercise.

According to the newspaper, more than one-third of Americans over the age of 65 have Diabetes, and if this correlation between Diabetes and cognitive decline is found in the future, it could have significant consequences for these 11 million Americans.

The best way to prevent Diabetes is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet. For instance, you can try roller-skating like this Canadian couple, or even yoga like these Chicago seniors. It doesn’t matter whether you live in an assisted living community or by yourself; exercise will keep your mind and body strong and healthy.