Dear Dr. SerVaas: I am 78 years old and have had type 2 diabetes for ten years. Recently, it was discovered that I also have hypertension. I read that there is a good chance of mental deterioration in people with the two conditions. My diabetes is under control, and I am taking medicine for hypertension. Is mental confusion inevitable?
L. E. Woods
Kingston, Ontario
Dear Reader: Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes helps protect brain function and improves overall health.
Left untreated, the two conditions can damage arteries in the brain, reducing blood flow and contributing to memory and other cognitive problems. Neurologists say that memory loss caused by diabetes and hypertension is often reversible with medical care.
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