The comparison of memory and executive functions in adults with type II diabetes and healthy people

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which is a known risk factor for cognitive decline, is increasing worldwide. Given the importance of diagnosing and management of cognitive disorders in diabetic patients and the difference of cognitive impairments in different populations, we aimed to investigate the relationship of type 2 diabetes with memory and executive function through a case-control study.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 30 type 2 diabetic patients (case group) and 30 nondiabetic patients (control group) referred to Sheikh al-Rays Clinic in Tabriz during 2018. For all samples in both groups, a questionnaire including demographic and disease information was completed. Trail making tasks A and B were performed for attention, as well as forward and backward digit span tasks, and letter number sequencing task for evaluation of working memory. Finally symbol digit modality task, letter digit modality task and verbal fluency task were performed to assess executive functions. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 22 and p- values under 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, the mean times used for trail making tasks A and B were significantly higher in case group than the control one. Among the working memory tests, the scores of backward digit span task and letter number sequencing task were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. Regarding executive functions, the verbal performance was not significantly different between the two groups, but the scores of symbol digit modality task and letter digit modality task in the case group were significantly lower than the control subjects.