Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: The prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing at all ages, including older populations. Several studies have shown that elderly diabetics have impaired cognitive function compared to age-matched non-diabetics, as well as a higher risk of dementia. In the current study we aimed to analyze relationship between microalbuminuria and cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Material and Methods: One hundred four diabetic patients who are over 60 years and diagnosed at least 6 months ago and forty four healthy volunteers who are over 60 years were included in this study. Medical history taking, physical examination, biochemical analysis and collection of urine specimens to determine microalbumin-creatinine ratio were performed. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE). The patients were evaluated in three groups: type 2 diabetic patients without microalbuminuria (group 1), type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria (group 2) and the control (group 3).

Results: One hundred four diabetic patients (42 males, 62 females; mean age: 65.8±5.1 years) and 44 healthy volunteers (17 males, 27 females; mean age: 65.4±5.0 years) were enrolled in the study. SMMSE scores significantly lower in diabetic patients compared with the control group (P<0.05). The mean SMMSE scores of normoalbuminuric (60 patients) and microalbuminuric (44 patients) patients were 22.3±4.6 and 22.6±4.9 respectively. Hemoglobin level (P=0.044) and educational status (P<0.01) were positive, systolic blood pressure (P=0.032), diastolic blood pressure (P<0.01) and hemoglobin A1c (P=0.01) were negative correlated with SMMSE scores. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between microalbuminuria and SMMSE scores. Decreased cognitive functions related with diabetic neuropathy.

Conclusion: Cognitive functions are lower in diabetic elderly patients when compared with healthy elderly volunteers. There were no significant relationship was found between cognitive function and microalbuminuria.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.