Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dementia: An Emerging Public Health Challenge

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly increases the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, beyond its metabolic and vascular complications, and dementia is emerging as a major public health concern. This review article integrates the current epidemiological evidence to demonstrate the strong association between T2DM and dementia, highlighting that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to individuals without diabetes. It further explores the mechanisms by which T2DM-related complications lead to neurodegeneration and also highlights the pathogenic mechanisms linking T2DM and dementia. Furthermore, this review addresses the current state of dementia management in the population with diabetes, outlining both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, including cognitive screening, lifestyle modification, and integrated diabetes care, that may lower the risk of or delay the onset of dementia. This article provides recommendations for a comprehensive, integrated care model, which emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary strategies and community-based interventions to mitigate the dual burden of diabetes and dementia.