Type-2 diabetes and cognitive function in a non-demented population

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Abstract
Objectives ‐ To study if type‐2 (non‐insulin‐dependent) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with cognitive dysfunction independently of clinically diagnosed dementia in an elderly population. Material and methods ‐ Cognitive function was investigated with a brief neuropsychological test battery in a non‐demented elderly population consisting of 183 NIDDM (World Health Organization, 1985) patients and 732 non‐diabetic subjects. Results ‐ Patients with NIDDM were impaired in the Trail‐Making Test parts A and C, which may be a reflection of mildly affected frontal lobe/executive functions. Women with NIDDM performed better than non‐diabetic subjects in the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Conclusions ‐ We conclude that NIDDM per se is not associated with impaired memory in the elderly, and the minor defects observed in tests of frontal lobe/executive functions are unlikely to affect daily living. In the non‐demented population aged 69‐78 years, NIDDM does not carry a significant risk of cognitive dysfunction, when compared to the non‐diabetic subjects.