New research from the University of Edinburgh has shown that stress raises the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline among older people with diabetes. 

The researchers studied more than 900 men and women aged between 60 and 75 with type-2 diabetes and evaluated their mental abilities with a range of tests, including memory function and speed of information processing. This was compared with general intelligence levels to gauge brain function over time.

Their findings showed that brain function slowed in participants who had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Dr Rebecca Reynolds, of Edinburgh University’s  Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: “We know that type 2 diabetes is linked to problems with memory, but the reason behind this is unclear.”

This work is part of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study. You can read more about these results here.