Risk factors for cognitive dysfunction and glycemic management in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence shows a robust relationship between cognitive dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study identified major risk factors that might prevent or ameliorate T2DM-associated cognitive dysfunction in the realm of clinical practice. METHODS: Using Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) in the light of education level, we identified older adults with T2DM on admission aged 50 and above. We conducted this case–control study when eligible participants were divided into Cognitively Normal (CN) group and Cognitively Impaired (CI) group. Analytical data referred to demographic characteristics, clinical features, fluid biomarkers, and scale tests. RESULTS: Of 596 records screened, 504 cases were included in the final analysis. Modified multivariate logistic regression analysis verified that homocysteine (OR = 2.048, 95%CI = 1.129–3.713), brain infarction (OR = 1.963, 95%CI = 1.197–3.218), dementia (OR = 9.430, 95%CI = 2.113–42.093), education level (OR = 0.605, 95%CI = 0.367–0.997), severity of dependence (OR = 1.996, 95%CI = 1.397–2.851), creatine kinase (OR = 0.514, 95%CI = 0.271–0.974) were significant risk factors of incident T2DM-related cognitive dysfunction in patients of advanced age. CONCLUSION: Our study supported a robust relationship between T2DM and cognitive dysfunction. Our results provide clinicians with major risk factors for T2DM-related cognitive dysfunction, in particular the protective role of creatine kinase.