Diabetes and cognitive impairment: how to evaluate the cognitive status?

Abstract

Aim: Patients with diabetes have shown lower performance in tests of cognitive function especially those testing memory, executive functions, and psychomotor efficiency. They also have an elevated risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive impairment may have consequence on treatment compliance.

Methods and results: This article provides indication for holding an interview, and reports a few screening bedside tests to detect a cognitive impairment. Some neuropsychological tests useful for characterizing the cognitive profile of a patient are described, as well as the main cognitive profiles expected in patients with diabetes and cognitive decline.

Conclusion: A systematic assessment of cognition with a rapid interview and screening tests in patients with diabetes, especially the oldest, with a long history of diabetes, co-morbidities, or with unexplained poor metabolic control would be a good clinical practice. Patients with cognitive decline may be referred to memory clinics for identifying the cause of the decline and contribute to provide appropriate medical and medicosocial management.