Diabetes Mellitus and Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Decline in Cognitive Function

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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common condition in older people, affecting about 20% of persons older than 65 years.1 In cross-sectional studies,2-4 diabetes mellitus has been associated with various adverse health effects, including cognitive impairment. The association of diabetes mellitus with impaired cognitive function suggests that diabetes mellitus may contribute to Alzheimer disease (AD). However, few prospective studies have examined the association between diabetes mellitus and incident AD, and their results have been inconsistent, with some studies5,6 finding that persons with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for AD and others7,8 not finding this association.