EVALUATION OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES REGARDING PRIMARY CARE IN TURKEY

Zeyneb İrem Yüksel Salduz, Aclan Özder 

Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, İstanbul, Turkey

Aims: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease-causing major health problem. Changes in cognitive functions may vary depending on the severity of diabetes, its duration and related blood values. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 167 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56,4 (34-89). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) tests were used for cognitive function assessment. Functional information on daily activities was collected using Katz Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires. Additionally, sociodemographic data and some blood test results were obtained from all subjects.

Results: The prevalence of MCI in diabetic patients was high (75%). Older age, female gender, duration of the diabetes, low education level was strongly associated with MCI (p<0.001). Additionally, low monthly income, smoking and using antihypertensive drug especially Ca canal blocker was found associated with MCI (p<0.05). The results indicated that MoCA score was positively correlated with SMMSE, IADL and BADL scores, but negatively correlated with age and duration of diabetes. 

Conclusion: According to our findings, prevalence of the MCI was high in T2DM patients, especially influenced by demographic variables. Early detection and appropriate management of diabetes in primary health care seems to reduce the risk of MCI among diabetic patients.