An update on type 2 diabetes, vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease

► Epidemiological studies link T2DM to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. ► Autopsy studies attribute dementia in T2DM mainly to vascular lesions in the brain. ► Micro/macro-vascular complications and severe hypoglycemic increase dementia risk. ► Prevention of vascular damage is key target in the prevention of dementia in T2DM. ► A life time perspective is needed on risk factors for dementia in T2DM.