Cognitive deficits in non-demented diabetic elderly appear independent of brain amyloidosis

J Neurol Sci. 2017 Jan 15:372:85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.11.040. Epub 2016 Nov 17.

Abstract

Background: To determine the effects of Type 2 diabetes (DM2) on levels of brain amyloidosis and cognition in a community-dwelling cohort of nondemented elderly individuals.

Methods: 33 subjects (16 DM2, 17 nondiabetic) were prospectively recruited. Subjects underwent a PET scan using the amyloid tracer, Pittsburgh Compound B, and a neuropsychological evaluation. Associations between DM2, brain amyloidosis, and cognition were assessed using multivariate regressions, adjusting for age and APOE4 status.

Results: DM2 subjects had lower global cognitive function (p=0.018), as measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. There was no difference in brain amyloidosis between groups (p=0.25).

Conclusions: Community-dwelling, nondemented individuals with DM2 had greater cognitive deficits, which do not appear to be mediated by brain amyloidosis. Further studies exploring potential mediators of these cognitive deficits should be performed.

Keywords: Beta-amyloid; Cognition; Positron emission tomography; Type 2 diabetes.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aniline Compounds / metabolism
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Thiazoles / metabolism

Substances

  • 2-(4'-(methylamino)phenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Thiazoles