ASSESSMENT OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Abstract

Type 2 DM is a complex metabolic disorder which can have detrimental affect on all the system of the body. This is often associated with accelerated risk of dementia.Objective of the study is to assess the cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Twenty ve type 2 diabetics attending the endocrinology outpatient department of MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital were recruited for the study. Twenty ve age, sex and education matched normal subjects were enrolled for the study. Detailed history was taken. A thorough general physical examination and systemic examination was done. The subjects were divided into the two groups based on their serum HbA1C level. Cognitive function was assessed using Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF) and a validated questionnaire Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III). Statistically signicant reduction was found in CFF values between controls and type 2 diabetics. ACE III scores were also signicantly lower in type 2 diabetics compared to controls. Decrease in CFF value and ACE-III score indicates reduction in cognitive function in type 2 diabetics. Our study shows an early onset of cognitive decline in type 2 diabetics compared to normal subjects.