On 22 September, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is hosting an online event to mark World Alzheimer’s Day and raise awareness of the link between diabetes and dementia and support people affected.
Diabetes and dementia are increasingly recognised as interconnected health challenges among ageing populations. Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of developing dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. While precise figures on the overlap between diabetes and dementia are limited, we know that an estimated 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes worldwide, representing approximately 11.1% of the global adult population. In contrast, the most recent comprehensive data from 2021 indicates that around 57 million people globally are living with dementia.
The risk of dementia increases when people are diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age, with each year of earlier onset further increasing the likelihood of cognitive decline. Vascular dementia has a strong association with diabetes due to shared risk factors such as hypertension, stroke and obesity. As diabetes rates continue to rise, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), understanding this link can contribute to developing effective prevention, screening, and care strategies that address metabolic and cognitive health.
The event will bring together diabetes and dementia epidemiology experts, healthcare professionals, and people living with diabetes to examine the link between the two conditions and look at the global projections regarding their impact, notably in LMICs. A panel discussion will break down the science, explore the global implications, and outline the actions needed, both individual and systemic, to safeguard body and mind.
