Although the mechanism of the connection is not well understood, we do know that people with diabetes face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that results in too much sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. In cardiovascular disease, this high sugar level and abnormal metabolism damages blood vessels, paving the way for atherosclerosis.

In the brain, the same condition is believed to produce chemicals known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are believed to aid the development and/or worsening of Alzheimer’s disease.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the biggest cause of both stroke and vascular dementia, and is also linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, research has found that older people with high blood pressure are more likely to have biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in their spinal fluid.

Studies have also found an increased dementia risk in people whose blood pressure readings varied.