Association of depressive disorder with the cognitive performance of Mexican older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and depression have both become pandemics over the last years. Both of these conditions have also been associated with signs of systemic inflammation, decreased insulin sensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction, all identified as risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia. Our aim in this study was to explore the effect of depressive symptoms in the cognitive performance of Mexican older adults diagnosed with with T2D.MethodWe analyzed differences in global cognition (using the COGSCORE instrument) of adults aged 65 and over, with T2D, with a three‐year follow up within the 10/66 Dementia Research Group protocols in Mexico. T2D was diagnosed with glucose levels at baseline equal or greater than 126 mg/dl, and/or with self‐report of diabetes. Depression diagnosis was based on the International Classification of Diseases glossary version 10 (ICD‐10).ResultsThe total sample consisted of 441 older adults people with T2D. 65% were women. The majority (72%) were outside glycemic control levels, 45% were overweight and 27% were depressed. In termos of cognitive performance, there was no significant difference in subjects with diabetes and depressive symptoms (p>0.47). When comparing the cognitive performance, there were differences between 1) the ages of 75 and 79 (p<0.052) and 80 or more (p<0.013) with the group of 65‐69 years; and 2) between those with low or normal BMI compared to those with obesity (p>0.56). Variables such as depression, area of study, educational level, marital status, and mass index showed no statistical significance.ConclusionIn this study, we found that in a Mexican population with T2D the presence of depression did not show a significant effect on cognitive performance, which is controversial with other studies. Interestingly, those who were underweight or had a normal BMI had a decrease in cognitive function, so we must pay attention to mental health but also complement it with nutrition and establish prioritary intervention measures that allow weight control, decrease chronic degenerative diseases, and that could consequently reduce cognitive impairment.