Cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus may express moderate degrees of cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to furt her characterise these cognitive deficits. Cognitive functions were assesse d in 13 patients and 16 controls, matched for age, sex, education and occup ational level. In addition, a neurological examination was performed. The performance of diabetic patients was impaired on the neuropsychological examination, in particular in tasks assessing learning and memory. Attenti on, motor planning and reaction time appeared to be unaffected. Symptoms an d/or signs of distal symmetric polyneuropathy were detected in 31% and 46% of the diabetic patients, respectively. The observed deficits are in line with previous neuropsychological studies in type 2 diabetic patients, showing deficits in learning and memory and co mplex information processing. The fact that these cognitive impairments are reported consistently stresses the need to obtain further insights into pa thogenic mechanisms, in order to be able to take adequate preventive measur es.