Subclinical cognitive impairment in middle-aged patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for vascular disease (including the cerebrovascular disease). One of the major consequences of cerebral microangiopathic disease is the cognitive decline. This study’s objective is to assess cognitive abilities of a selected group of 23 type II diabetic patients. Materials and methods. The trial enrolled 48 patients aged between 40 and 68 years old. None of the patients had a personal history of cerebrovascular disease or a history of cognitive impairment. Cognitive status was assessed using current tests such as IQ, MMSE, the clock-drawing test, Hamilton Scale for depression and each patient was given a set of specific psychometric tests in order to accurately evaluate a specific area of cognition (memory, attention, visual and spatial orientation, executive function). The results were statistically processed by SPSS. Results. The global cognitive score for diabetic patients was significantly lower -60,3/100 points compared to that of the control group -69.08/100 points (p = 0.048). The cognitive field most affected in these patients was the executive function 7.30/20 points in diabetic patients compared to that of the control group – 11.04/20 points (p = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups related to the presence of symptoms of depression or cognitive capacity level evaluated by standard tests (IQ, MMSE, clock-drawing test). Conclusions. Patients with type II DM have a lower overall cognitive score, even at middle-age, when compared with patients without this type of metabolic impairment. The most affected domain is the executive function.