Is diabetes mellitus associated with poor cognitive performance in the elderly? A revision study

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) refers to a metabolic syndrome, with physical, social and psychological damages for those who had it. The disease has a strong genetic component and is subdivided into Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (DM1) and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2). The DM2 is associated with cognitive deficits and also with functional deficits. Previous research showed that the executive functions in elderly with DM are more impaired than those without this disease. For this reason, this study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review of indexed publications in the last eight years that addressed the relationships between DM2 and poor cognitive function in the elderly (cognitive flexibility, mental flexibility, deterioration and executive functions). The studies reviewed showed a degree of impairment related to cognitive functions, mainly in thought flexibility, attention, working memory, suggesting that DM2 accelerates the cognitive deterioration, increasing the chances to develop dementia. The prevalence of depression is higher in elderly patients with DM2, affecting many functions and occur also in addition to other physical complications. These findings indicate impaired cognitive functioning in elderly patients with DM2, which emphasizes the urgency to develop prevention and intervention programs