PAPER #43 - Glucose metabolism and memory functions in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Problem Statement: Among studies which say patients with diabetes have lower performance on cognitive tests most of them found deficiencies especially in the memory level. Regarding the issue of memory disorders in patients with diabetes, study results are inconsistent, often with a high degree of ambiguity, because of discrepancies between methods of measurement and quantification of memory. Purpose of Study:This paper investigates the memory of patients with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy individuals. The study seeks to answer the question whether global cognitive deficiency in diabetics can be narrowed down to some dysfunctions of the memory components (verbal memory, visual memory, general memory, attention and concentration, delayed memory and working memory). Furthermore we analyze the connection between glucose metabolism and the cognitive functions above. Research Methods: The study sample consists of 55 (N= 55) adult participants, homogeneous by age, sex and education, from which 21 participants with type 2 diabetes and the control group consisting of 34 healthy adults. All participants were assessed with WMS-R psychometric test memory. Findings: The results show that the group of healthy adults has a significantly better level of performance in delayed memory and verbal memory than the group of adults with type 2 diabetes, meaning that type 2 diabetes affects this cognitive functions. The regression analysis have shown that glycaemic control was a significant negative predictor of verbal memory, general memory, delayed memory and visual memory. The results also indicate that the group of diabetes with a balanced glycaemic control has a significantly better level of performance in verbal memory, in general memory, in delayed memory and visual memory than the group with unbalance diabetes. Conclusions:Most studies report the negative impact of diabetes on cognitive abilities compaired to healthy individuals. Our study conclude that a good glycemic control in patients with diabetes has little impact on cognitive functions. Our results support the results of previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]