Longitudinal association between diabetes and cognitive decline: The National Health and Aging Trends Study

Abstract

Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of dementia; however, few studies have examined the longitudinal association between DM and cognitive outcomes in large nationally representative cohorts. We investigated these associations in 7605 participants enrolled in the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative prospective study of Medicare beneficiaries ≥65, from 2011 to 2015. Participants or proxy respondents reported DM and dementia diagnosis, and participants completed immediate and delayed recall word list learning tests and the Clock Drawing Test. In multivariable-adjusted generalized linear mixed models, baseline DM diagnosis was associated with decline on immediate and delayed word recall and the Clock Drawing Test. In Cox proportional hazards models, DM also predicted incident dementia in older age groups at baseline. These findings further support the notion that DM is associated with cognitive outcomes, suggesting that treatment and prevention of DM may reduce the risk of these outcomes. However, more studies are needed to better understand whether DM treatments affect this relationship.

The association between diabetes and cognitive changes during aging

“…Also, Wennberg et al. [ 20 ] found the same association using immediate and delayed recall word-list learning tests.…”

“…Pappas et al [19] used immediate and delayed list recall (episodic memory), and they found that T2DM was associated with a decline in episodic memory. Also, Wennberg et al [20] found the same association using immediate and delayed recall word-list learning tests. Four studies used BVRT, which is employed to assess visual perception and visual memory (Table 6).…”

Understated Cognitive Impairment Assessed with the Clock-Drawing Test in Community-Dwelling Individuals Aged ≥50 Years

“…educational level and isolation) have been also highlighted -suggesting that cognitive decline can be prevented (at least in part) by targeting modifiable risk factors. 1 With regard to the CDT, the literature data evidence poorer performance among elderly patients with diabetes 7,8 or with hypertension. 9 Poor performance in the CDT is also reportedly associated with physical frailty in asymptomatic adults aged ≥50 10 and in older community-dwellers.…”

Cognitive Impairment and Memory Loss in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

“…Diabetes can reduce insulin sensitivity and relative insulin deficiency leading to cognitive decline (6).In diabetes patients, insulin resistance is considered as increased risk factor for cognitive defect. A strong evidence from a study conducted in USA indicated that memory loss may be a slow progressing brain metabolic disease (7).Individuals with Metabolic syndrome and obesity, have a higher risk of developing memory loss leading to Alzheimer's, while Additionally, both primary care physicians and psychiatrists recognised the importance (12). The reason behind is lack of awareness and information about this clinical state and symptoms of decline (15).…”

“…However uncontrolled and mismanaged cases has greater chances to induce cognitive decline (7). (33).…”