A new USC-led study has uncovered a significant link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and cortical thickness in older adults from various populations.

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI), the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the University of Texas at Austin have just published their findings in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. The study highlights the potential impact of diabetes on brain structure and the importance of managing blood sugar levels to protect brain health in older age.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that affects one in ten Americans. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious health problems affecting the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. The research team found that individuals with T2DM exhibited a significantly thinner cortex, particularly in the temporal and parietal regions of the brain, which are critical for memory and cognitive function.

To continue reading, click here.