Speakers’ Series explores link between Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes

Next week, Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) is holding an installment of their Brain Storm Speakers’ Series. Brain Storm is a series of talks created in partnership with Queen’s Centre for Neuroscience Studies (CNS).

On Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 at 7 p.m., interested persons are invited to hear Natalia Lyra e Silva, a postdoctoral researcher, discuss the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

While these diseases seem unrelated, researchers have found some connections. Having Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, and the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels and often is under-produced in individuals with diabetes, has been deemed important for memory function.

“I witnessed first-hand my grandmother’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” Lyra e Silva said.  “The lack of effective treatments to counteract the progressive cognitive decline that occurs in this disease motivated me to join the scientific community for the search for novel therapies and means of prevention. My goal as a scientist is to provide education about Alzheimer’s disease and increase awareness of how a healthy lifestyle can help prevent neurological disease.”

Join the KFPL’s Brain Storm Speakers’ Series as Lyra e Silva describes how one disease can influence the other.

This event will be held at the Calvin Park branch of the KFPL, 88 Wright Cres, and seating is limited. Interested attendees are asked to register in advance at calendar.kfpl.ca or by phone at (613) 549-8888.