ANALYSIS OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA: COMPLICATIONS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly population, accounting for 60% to 70% of cases, and consequently leads to cognitive decline. At the same time, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased, with the metabolic disorder increasing the risk of dementia. The relationship between AD and T2DM is complex and involves risk factors associated with lifestyle and eating habits, as well as the brain-gut axis. Inflammation mediated by cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, results in the exacerbation of AD and contributes to insulin resistance, forming a link between the two conditions. Objective: To analyze and associate AD and Dementia as a complication of T2DM, as well as its prevention. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review using the PRISMA method, where articles from the last 5 years were analyzed and selected from the electronic databases: Pubmed and BVS (Virtual Health Library). The following descriptors were used: “Diabetes Mellitus”, “Alzheimer’s”, “Dementia” combined with the Boolean operator “AND”. A total of 99 articles were obtained, of which only 12 met the objective of the study. Results and Discussion: The studies showed that DM2 increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, due to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Interventions, such as physical exercise and medications (exenatide and metformin) can help preserve the cognitive function of diabetics. Hypoglycemia and obesity also negatively affect brain health, leading to changes in neuronal perfusion and density. The research seeks to better understand these relationships in order to develop prevention and treatment strategies. Conclusion: The research addresses the effects of systemic inflammation and metabolic changes by offering new perspectives for interventions that aim not only to control DM2, but also to preserve cognitive function in the population at risk.