Insulin Resistance Linked to 4x Faster Progression of Dementia

At the 2025 Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Helsinki, researchers presented a study involving 315 non-diabetic patients. Over a three-year follow-up period, those with insulin resistance who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) related to Alzheimer's disease experienced cognitive decline at a rate four times faster—a striking increase of 400%—than those without insulin resistance.

This is a significant (and easily addressed) new finding, for several reasons:

1. Insulin resistance—the driving force behind metabolic syndrome and a leading cause of diabetes—now affects more than 30% of all adults, and nearly 50% of those over age 60.
2. A 400% acceleration in dementia progression makes insulin resistance one of the most powerful—and potentially preventable—risk factors for cognitive decline. Dementia currently affects about 1 in 10 people over the age of 65.
3. These findings also strengthen early evidence linking obesity to dementia, reinforcing the idea that it's a modifiable risk factor.
4. The brain fog and pain in fibromyalgia also increases risk. Simple measures that can powerfully protect the brain while helping insulin sensitivity include PEA, the Energy Revitalization Drink Mix multi, and Curamin®. These markedly lower pain, turning off the brain inflammation that increases dementia risk, while improving insulin sensitivity.

Another study adds to earlier meta-analysis findings showing that people who take metformin have a 24% lower risk of developing dementia. Emerging research now suggests that semaglutide, a medication that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high, may offer similar protection. Both medications work by reducing insulin resistance, which may be a key driver of cognitive decline.

Meanwhile, there are several simple, everyday steps people can take to significantly boost insulin sensitivity on their own. These include eating more fiber, cutting back on sugar, walking regularly—especially outdoors in the sunshine—and taking a quality multivitamin that includes magnesium. Certain herbs, such as berberine, curcumin, and hintonia, have also been shown to help. Notably, the Harvard COSMOS study found that even just taking a daily multivitamin can help slow brain aging.

The takeaway? Most cases of dementia can be prevented—easily and affordably. The key steps are outlined in a simple acronym I call the DEMENTIA Prevention Protocol. I've shared it before, but for your convenience, here it is again below.

DEMENTIA Prevention Protocol

Drugs

Many cases of dementia are actually side effects of medications—often ones that are no longer even necessary. That's why it's important to regularly review your medications with your doctor to see what can be safely reduced or discontinued. For example, common drugs like antihistamines and PPI acid blockers have been linked to a significantly higher risk of dementia. Safer alternatives, such as Pepcid, are available and don't carry the same risk.

Emotional

Don't overlook the basics: make sure you're getting enough quality sleep and rule out depression, both of which can significantly impact memory and cognitive function.

Metabolic

Hormonal imbalances—particularly low thyroid and testosterone—can sharply increase the risk of Alzheimer's, even when blood test results appear "normal." What matters most is optimizing these hormone levels, not just falling within the standard range.

Ears, Eyes, and Exercise

Hearing and vision loss can often look like dementia—but they're usually treatable. Be sure to get both checked regularly. And don't underestimate the power of a simple walk in the sunshine. It boosts both mood and brain health.

Nutrition

The typical American diet loses up to 50% of its vitamins and minerals during food processing, which makes high-potency multivitamin support essential. Pay special attention to vitamin B12, with levels maintained above 540. And be sure your multivitamin includes enough folic acid, as low folate is strongly linked to a much higher risk of dementia.

It's also important to cut back on sugar and white flour, which can worsen insulin resistance. The good news? Moderate enjoyment of coffee, tea, and even dark chocolate is actually associated with a lower risk of dementia.

For those dealing with chronic pain, over a dozen studies show that the supplement PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) can reduce pain by more than 50%. Even more promising, early research suggests it may benefit people already living with dementia.

Tumors and Other Brain Lesions

If someone is showing signs of dementia, it's important to get an MRI or CT scan to rule out other possible causes—like brain tumors—that can mimic or contribute to cognitive decline.

Infections

Hidden infections—like low-grade urinary tract or sinus infections—can quietly drain mental sharpness and worsen cognitive function without obvious symptoms.

Anemia and Other Underlying Medical Issues

These can significantly impact brain health. It's important to get checked, as both low and high iron levels have been linked to worsening dementia.

By addressing each of these "DEMENTIA" factors, we can help prevent many cases of dementia—or at the very least, slow its progression and reduce its impact.