Glucose metabolism and smaller hippocampal volume in elderly people with normal cognitive function

We investigated associations of glycemic measures, and insulin resistance and secretion measures with hippocampal and subfield volumes. In this cross-sectional study, 7400 community-dwelling participants underwent brain MRI and health checkups between 2016 and 2018. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glycated albumin (GA), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and HOMA of percent β-cell function (HOMA-β) were evaluated. The associations of each measure with a smaller volume of the hippocampus and twelve hippocampal subfields were investigated. As a result, higher HbA1c or GA and lower HOMA-β levels were significantly associated with smaller volumes in multiple hippocampal subfields. Furthermore, even when we analyzed non-diabetic individuals, substantial associations remained between higher GA or lower HOMA-β levels and smaller volumes of the whole hippocampus or the fimbria. Our findings indicate that postprandial glucose fluctuations, postprandial hyperglycemia, and low insulin secretion have a specific effect on the development of smaller hippocampal volume, suggesting that primary prevention of diabetes and/or sufficient glucose control are important for the prevention of dementia.