Test Predicts Cognitive Decline 10 Years Early

When it comes to protecting your brain against cognitive decline, the earlier you take action, the better the results.  

Of course, it can be hard to take action before you know a problem exists. 

That’s why I was excited to read about a simple test that can predict your risk of cognitive decline up to 10 years ahead of time. 

Knowing you’re at risk could be just the motivation you need to make the kind of changes necessary to avoid memory problems in the future. 

Researchers looked at data from 961 middle-aged people from the Finnish population-based Health 2000 Examination Survey and compared it to a follow-up that was conducted 10 years later. 

They found that people who had a heightened two-hour glucose tolerance test at the beginning of the study were more likely to have declines in memory performance 10 years later. 

The declines were seen in a word-list delayed recall test, which is a test of episodic memory that is often affected in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The higher the glucose level after consuming a glucose drink, the weaker the memory performance after 10 years. 

This study is right in line with other research showing that diabetes is associated with a decline in cognitive function. And insulin resistance has been linked to both cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. 

This study tells us a few things. 

First, glucose tolerance testing could be an early way to identify your risk of cognitive decline. 

Second, following the same healthy lifestyle that is good for your metabolic health is critical for your brain health as well.