New research reveals that Klotho brain health benefits may be particularly pronounced in women with diabetes, offering hope for early detection and intervention strategies for diabetes-related cognitive decline.
The study, published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, analyzed 514 adults with diabetes aged 40 to 79 and found that higher levels of Klotho — a naturally-occurring protein in the blood with anti-aging properties — were associated with better cognitive performance. Klotho helps regulate metabolism and has protective effects on the brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which may explain its connection to mental sharpness and memory.
The study’s authors noted that under diabetic conditions, high blood sugar can lead to reduced Klotho production, creating a harmful cycle of metabolic problems, inflammation and cognitive decline. Klotho works by improving insulin sensitivity in brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus — the brain region crucial for memory formation.
Researchers examined participants’ performance on multiple cognitive tests, including the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), which measures processing speed, memory and attention span. The study authors reported that Klotho levels showed the strongest positive correlation with DSST scores, indicating that individuals with higher Klotho levels performed better on tasks requiring quick thinking and mental agility.
The most significant finding centered on sex differences in Klotho brain health relationships. While both men and women showed cognitive benefits from higher Klotho levels, the association was particularly strong in females.
These findings suggest Klotho levels could help identify individuals at risk for diabetes-related cognitive decline. The researchers concluded that individuals with diabetes and lower Klotho levels should be prioritized for cognitive screening and targeted interventions.
The study’s cross-sectional design means it cannot prove that higher Klotho levels directly cause better cognitive function, only that the two are associated. The authors recommend future longitudinal studies to establish whether Klotho brain health relationships represent a true cause-and-effect relationship and to develop targeted therapies for maintaining brain health in patients with diabetes.