Latinx with Type 2 Diabetes: Perceptions of Cognitive Health

Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Decline Among People With Diabetes: Data From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

“…23,24 In a qualitative study (n = 30), Hispanics who reported SCD said that poor memory was their biggest concern, and they described SCD as having a very negative impact on their diabetes self-management. 25 This study shows that compared to females, males are more likely to report having SCD. This finding is contrary to Heser et al's 26 study that showed females expressed more concerns about their memory and demonstrated that SCD was a stronger predictor of dementia among females than in males.…”

“…23,24 In a qualitative study (n = 30), Hispanics who reported SCD said that poor memory was their biggest concern, and they described SCD as having a very negative impact on their diabetes self-management. 25…”

“…Similar findings were reported in a qualitive study among people with type 2 diabetes, where participants stated that they felt that memory change is simply due to becoming older. 25 This perception may discourage them from discussing concerns about cognitive decline with their health care providers. Patients might mention cognitive problems only when they are prompted by health care providers.…”

Factors affecting cognitive dysfunction screening for Latinx adults with type 2 diabetes

“…This overreliance on the provider to assess and recommend poses an issue regarding screening, because providers cannot address what they are not aware of. In the present study, providers seemed to follow a “mutual participation model,” in which the patient is “an expert in his or her life experiences” [10] , [36] . Such an understanding requires the patient to provide a clear picture of all the difficulties that the patient is experiencing, but this approach does not take into account language barriers, a patient’s lack of prior history with a provider, or the inherent trust of the patient in the provider’s ability to determine severity.…”

“…Factors contributing to low screening rates for cognitive dysfunction include poor communication, provider time, and breaks in the referral system [9] . In qualitative interviews, we have found that people with T2DM frequently avoid asking about cognitive problems or cognitive health, owing to stigma or discrimination [10] . Access to diagnosis and treatment is hampered by language proficiency, personal beliefs, and economic status, delaying diagnosis by as many as 5 years [11] .…”