By JAMI CUSTER
Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Individuals with a history of persistent high blood sugar episodes have been linked to vascular dementia. The concern of uncontrolled sugar levels being linked to the disease is growing, according to the Alzheimer’s association. 

As the population ages, the numbers of those diagnosed with dementia will rise, according to the organization. 

Dr. Schuyler Steelberg, medical director of Cherokee Nation Contract Health, said the link between both high sugars and dementia shouldn’t be confused with diabetes, it’s persistant high sugars that can pose a problem. 

“So a controlled diabetic is not necessarily at higher risk,” he said. 

He also said the disease that can be disrupted from the high sugars is not Alzheimer’s it’s a vascular dementia. 

“The dementia is a vascular dementia, not Alzheimer’s type, related to the way elevated sugars damage blood vessels and can cause mini-strokes,” he said. “In Alzheimer’s disease, the build-up of abnormal proteins blocks nerve connections in the brain.”

Steelberg said maintaining good control of sugars is crucial with diabetes.

Former director of the Indian Health Service, Dr. Michael Trujillo, said there is a large amount of research going on regarding the association between high blood sugar, diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

“…there appears to be research evidence that there is an association between high BS (blood sugar), pre-diabetes and the likelihood of early dementia. But, it’s still unclear biochemically and pathologically if this leads on to Alzh (Alzheimer’s), per se,” he said. “It is probable that they are, indeed, ‘linked’. But how is the question. There are similarities and also differences.”

Trujillo said some researchers are beginning to call this “diabetes No. 3 or III” due to the strong association and research evidence. He said the important thing to remember is to stay active physically and mentally.

“Avoid having hypertension, pre-diabetes and/or diabetes….,” he said. “Main thing is to remain healthy, eat well. One has to take care of themselves and not depend on others or blame others… one has to be healthy and not become fat or obese. If one is diabetic, one has to control their BS very well, eat foods as directed and be very active physically and mentally.”

jami-custer@cherokee.org • (918) 453-5560