Diabetes can make even the most Pollyanna of people feel a little down in the dumps. New research suggests that depression has a much greater effect on speeding mental decline, leading to increased risk of dementia, in type 2 diabetics.
The study looked at 2,600 people who were over 55 years old and currently had type 2 diabetes. Participants were measured for depression at the beginning, middle and end of the 40 month study. While 62 percent of people were never found to be depressed, the other participants who had depression symptoms at any point during the study period were more prone to developing Dementia.
Scientists theorize that depression may signal the beginning of vascular dementia, which is a type of dementia that occurs when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Vascular dementia occurs more often in people with diabetes.
The most common characteristics of the people who developed depression symptoms include:
- Women
- Younger Study Participants
- Caucasians
- Higher Blood Glucose Levels
- Higher Cholesterol Levels (LDL)
- Overweight
Bottom line folks is that if you are feeling blue, don’t wallow in misery. Get some help. Click here to read more detail about the study at Reuters.com.