The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has established a partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and the UK Dementia Research Institute to explore the complex connections between diabetes and brain health. This collaboration seeks to enhance understanding of how diabetes may accelerate cognitive decline and contribute to neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer”s disease.
Dr. V Mohan, chairman of MDRF, highlighted the significant relationship between diabetes and dementia, stating, “Individuals with pre-diabetes also have a higher risk for dementia.” Recent findings from a 2023 study conducted by the IDF Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Care and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that a substantial number of individuals in India are affected by these conditions, with approximately 136 million being pre-diabetic and around 113 million having diabetes. Notably, the transition from pre-diabetes to diabetes is particularly rapid among the South Asian population.
Dr. Mohan emphasized that diabetes not only impacts physical health but also has detrimental effects on brain function. He pointed out that while individuals with diabetes are routinely screened for various complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy, cognitive impairment often goes unnoticed. He advocated for the inclusion of cognitive impairment assessments in diabetes clinic protocols to ensure comprehensive care.
The newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate extensive research collaborations, including large-scale studies and data sharing, to bolster early detection and prevention strategies for cognitive decline associated with diabetes. By uniting leading experts in diabetes, neuroscience, and dementia research, the partnership is poised to contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in this critical area of health.
