Comparison of Cognitive Disorders in the Elderly Who Suffer and Do Not Suffer from Diabetes Mellitus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 101 views

Comparison of Cognitive Disorders in the Elderly Who Suffer and Do Not Suffer from Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Dementia is one of the most common and destructive diseases experienced by the elderly, with nearly 4.6 million new cases found every year. The number is expected to double every 20 years, and by 2040, it is predicted that there will be around 81.1 million people suffering from dementia. Research has shown that diabetes mellitus contributes to an increased risk of cognitive disorders, especially in groups that do not experience amnesia. The risk of mild cognitive disorders due to diabetes mellitus is recorded at 8.8% overall, with a higher prevalence in the African-American population (8.4%) and Hispanic (11.0%), compared to the non-Hispanic white population at 4.6%. This reflects the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in minority groups in the United States.

The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Cognitive Disorders

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. It is a major risk factor for cognitive disorders, particularly in the elderly. Research has shown that people with diabetes mellitus are more likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia compared to those without the condition. The exact mechanisms by which diabetes mellitus contributes to cognitive disorders are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the damage caused by high blood sugar levels to the blood vessels in the brain.

Research Methods

This study was conducted using the cross-sectional method in two locations: Geriatric Polyclinic and Endocrine Polyclinic SMF in the H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan, as well as the Medan City Lions Club Polyclinic from February to May 2011. Every patient who meets the inclusion and exclusion criteria was carried out Examination of blood sugar levels during fasting and fasting, as well as psychiatric interviews. The data collected was then analyzed to get valid results.

Research Result

Of the 124 samples studied, as many as 38 people (30.6%) had normal mini-mental state examination (MMSE) interpretations. Meanwhile, 24 samples (19.4%) showed signs of possible cognitive disorders, and 62 samples (50%) had definitive cognitive disorders. Analysis using Chi-Square showed that of 38 people who had normal MMSE, 73.7% were male and 26.3% were women. In groups that showed possible cognitive disorders, 41.7% were male and 52.3% were women. Meanwhile, from a sample with definitive cognitive disorders, 38.7% were male and 61.3% were women. The analysis showed a significance rate of 0.002 (p <0.05), which indicates a significant relationship between sex and cognitive disorders.

The Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Disorders

The analysis of Kolmogorov-Smirnov showed that 30 samples (24.19%) of groups that did not suffer from diabetes mellitus had an MMSE interpretation with possible cognitive disorders, while 27 samples (21.77%) of groups suffering from diabetes mellitus also showed the possibility of cognitive disturbance. The results of this analysis have a significance number of 0.269 (P> 0.05), which shows the absence of significant differences between the two groups related to the prevalence of cognitive disorders.

Conclusion

This study shows that mild cognitive disorders can occur in the elderly, and diabetes mellitus has a role in the development of these cognitive disorders. Although the prevalence of cognitive disorders is not significantly different between parents who suffer and do not suffer from diabetes mellitus, these findings are still important to consider in elderly health care. Early prevention and treatment efforts to diabetes mellitus can help reduce the risk of cognitive disorders, thereby improving the quality of life of the elderly.

Implications for Elderly Health Care

The findings of this study have important implications for elderly health care. Early detection and treatment of diabetes mellitus can help reduce the risk of cognitive disorders, thereby improving the quality of life of the elderly. Healthcare providers should be aware of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and cognitive disorders and take steps to prevent and treat diabetes mellitus in their patients. Additionally, healthcare providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of cognitive disorders and refer patients who are at risk to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a limited geographic area. Additionally, the study only included patients who were referred to the polyclinic, which may not be representative of the general population of elderly individuals. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger and more diverse sample of participants to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and cognitive disorders in more detail. This could include longitudinal studies to examine the development of cognitive disorders in individuals with diabetes mellitus over time. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the underlying mechanisms by which diabetes mellitus contributes to cognitive disorders, such as the damage caused by high blood sugar levels to the blood vessels in the brain.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cognitive Disorders in the Elderly with Diabetes Mellitus

Q: What is the relationship between diabetes mellitus and cognitive disorders?

A: Research has shown that diabetes mellitus contributes to an increased risk of cognitive disorders, especially in groups that do not experience amnesia. The risk of mild cognitive disorders due to diabetes mellitus is recorded at 8.8% overall, with a higher prevalence in the African-American population (8.4%) and Hispanic (11.0%), compared to the non-Hispanic white population at 4.6%.

Q: What are the symptoms of cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: The symptoms of cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus can vary, but may include:

Memory loss or difficulty remembering recent events or conversations
Difficulty with problem-solving or making decisions
Difficulty with communication or understanding written or spoken language
Difficulty with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking
Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety

Q: How can diabetes mellitus contribute to cognitive disorders?

A: Diabetes mellitus can contribute to cognitive disorders in several ways, including:

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline
Inflammation and oxidative stress can damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline
Diabetes mellitus can also increase the risk of other health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease, which can contribute to cognitive decline

Q: What are the risk factors for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: The risk factors for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus include:

Age: The risk of cognitive disorders increases with age
Diabetes mellitus: People with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cognitive disorders
Family history: A family history of cognitive disorders or dementia increases the risk
Lifestyle factors: A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and lack of social interaction can increase the risk

Q: How can the risk of cognitive disorders be reduced in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: The risk of cognitive disorders can be reduced in the elderly with diabetes mellitus by:

Maintaining good blood sugar control
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a healthy diet
Getting enough sleep
Staying socially active
Managing stress and anxiety

Q: What are the treatment options for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: The treatment options for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus include:

Medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression
Lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet changes
Cognitive training and therapy to improve cognitive function
Supportive care, such as assistance with daily activities and emotional support

Q: What is the prognosis for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: The prognosis for cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper management and treatment, it is possible to slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Q: How can healthcare providers identify cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: Healthcare providers can identify cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus by:

Conducting regular cognitive assessments and screenings
Monitoring for symptoms and signs of cognitive decline
Referring patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment
Providing education and support to patients and their families

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus?

A: Healthcare providers play a critical role in preventing cognitive disorders in the elderly with diabetes mellitus by:

Providing education and support to patients and their families
Encouraging lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet changes
Monitoring for symptoms and signs of cognitive decline
Referring patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment
Providing regular cognitive assessments and screenings.