The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), Chennai, has partnered with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) to explore the connection between diabetes and brain health.
MoU Signed to Advance Collaborative Research
On Saturday, the three institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the collaboration. According to a press release, the initiative brings together leading experts in diabetes, neuroscience, and dementia to understand how metabolic disorders—particularly diabetes—affect cognitive decline and neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Focus on Early Detection and Prevention
As reported by The Hindu, the partnership aims to enable large-scale studies, data sharing, and translational research to enhance early detection and develop effective prevention strategies. The joint effort seeks to provide new insights into how metabolic imbalances contribute to brain ageing and cognitive deterioration.
Diabetes and Dementia: A Vicious Cycle
Highlighting findings from a 2019 study, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of MDRF, noted that diabetes increases the risk of cognitive disorders—including dementia—by 1.25 to 1.91 times. Even individuals with prediabetes face an elevated risk of developing dementia. He described a “vicious cycle” between diabetes and dementia. Cognitive decline impairs diabetes management, leading to severe hypoglycemia, cardiovascular events, and a higher risk of falls and mortality.
Dr. Mohan emphasized that screening for dementia is often overlooked in diabetes clinics. “We started screening patients above 60 years of age last year,” he said, stressing the importance of routine cognitive assessments for diabetic patients.
Harnessing Multidisciplinary Strengths
Dr. R.M. Anjana, President of MDRF, stated that diabetes is increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for cognitive decline. She added that the collaboration will leverage multidisciplinary expertise and diverse datasets. The goal is to identify early markers of brain ageing among people with diabetes.
Predicting and Preventing Cognitive Decline
Professor K.V.S. Hari, Director of CBR, outlined the centre’s goal to predict the onset of cognitive decline through robust risk scores, diagnostic tools, and trajectory trackers. He noted that interventions could range from pharmacological solutions to lifestyle-based approaches and digital tools such as apps or wearable devices.
A Shared Vision for Healthy Brain Ageing
Dr. Siddharthan Chandran, Director and Chief Executive of the UK DRI, said their collective vision is to promote healthy brain ageing for all. He explained, “Metabolic diseases affect the brain, and the brain, in turn, influences metabolic conditions. That’s why an integrated approach is essential.”
Through this international collaboration, the institutions aim to bridge the gap between metabolic and neurological research. This partnership will pave the way for better management and prevention of dementia in diabetic patients.