Glucose Levels Predict Risk for Dementia

Observational studies have established an association between diabetes and dementia. In this prospective study from Seattle's Group Health Cooperative, researchers sought to determine whether average glucose levels in people without diabetes predict development of dementia. The study involved 2067 older adults (mean age 74; 11% with diabetes) who had no evidence of dementia at baseline and who were screened every 2 years using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument. Average glucose levels were estimated using models that incorporated both serial glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose values.

During a median follow-up of 7 years, 25% of participants were diagnosed with dementia. Among participants who did not have diabetes, risk for …