Cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes and its impact on daily living and self-care: A case - Control study in Kanpur, North India

Abstract

Background and aimThere have been few studies from South Asia which have shown increased prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) in diabetes. CI may further hamper self-care and independent living. The present study was designed to evaluate the impairment in cognition and self-care among patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methodsWe assessed cognitive function in 54 type 2 diabetes participants and compared them with 54 healthy controls, using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III) test. Assessment of self-care was done by using Katz index of independence in activities of daily living and revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) measures. ResultsThe mean age and HbA1c of cases was 64.5 ± 5.3 years and 8.8 ± 2.5%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among type 2 diabetes participants (Odds ratio 31.3, CI: 10–100, P < 0.0001) with mean Addenbrooke's score of 74.9 ± 11.2 compared to 86.9 ± 5.3 in controls (t-statistic = 7.09, 95% CI: 8.6 to 15.3, P < 0.0001). The adjusted Odds ratio for CI was 9.46 after adjustment for hypertension. All the sub-domains of cognition were affected. The burden of CI was more among females and in those with poor glycemic control (HbA1C > 7.5%) when compared to controls. The diabetic participants with CI had poor SDSCA scores compared to those with no CI. ConclusionDiabetes may cause CI and is related to poor self-care. Considering a high prevalence of CI in diabetes, cognitive assessment should be a part of overall evaluation. ACE-III is a sensitive and convenient tool for this purpose.