You may already know that diabetes is linked to a number of other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

Now, scientists at Tel Aviv University suggest type 2 diabetes may be a risk factor contributing to cognitive decline and dementia.

In recent years, a large number of studies have sought to identify the causes of memory problems that tend to develop in older age.

While science has not developed a drug to ward off cognitive decline, some people have turned to nutritional supplements containing folic acid and fish oil to help maintain healthy cognitive function.

In the new study, researchers led by Dr. Tali Cukierman-Yaffe discovered that patients with diabetes were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from cognitive decline and 1.6 times more likely to have dementia.

The findings, published in Diabetes Care, draw a link between high blood sugar levels and poorer performance on cognitive tests involving memory, speed and multi-tasking.

“Our results send an important message to the public,” commented Cukierman-Yaffe. “We have shown conclusively that there is a relationship between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction.”