Abstract:
Background: In the United States alone, Type 2 Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death, with Alzheimer’s Disease ahead as the 6th leading cause of mortality. While specific mechanisms have yet to be recognized by mainstream medicine, the term Type 3 Diabetes has been adopted to describe diabetes of the brain. Overarching commonalities amongst each disease include (a) oxidative stress, (b) inflammation, (c) mitochondrial dysfunction, and (d) neuroendocrine abnormalities. Collectively, these factors have been found to directly contribute to pro-death genes, impaired energy metabolism, and cerebral hypoperfusion. Yet, Type 2 Diabetes remains one of the most adjustable risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. This dissertation explores the available literature on increasing the awareness of Type 3 Diabetes in terms of present and future implications. Methods: The review highlighted the following topics: (a) Alzheimer’s disease, (b) Types 1 and 2 diabetes, (c) insulin resistance and cognitive decline, (d) Type 3 diabetes (e) ApoE(4) genetic perturbations, (f) prevention and lifestyle support for Alzheimer’s disease, (g) prevention and lifestyle support for diabetes, (h) social and economic consequences of Alzheimer’s disease, (I) social and economic consequences of diabetes. Results: While AD is a complex disorder, there is a plethora of irrefutable research that supports viewing it as Type 3 Diabetes. Increasing patient education of Type 3 Diabetes and focusing on prevention strategies would decrease disease burden, increase quality of life and at the same time, save trillions of dollars in healthcare spending. Conclusions: Since there is no pharmaceutical cure for AD, increasing awareness of Type 3 Diabetes has the potential to provide patients with sustainable, integrative therapies, allowing them to become invested in their health choices. This will also promote individual accountability and a sense of conscientiousness in taking back one’s own health through lifestyle choices while reducing unnecessary suffering for patients, family members and society.
