Assessment of the cognitive status in diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Diabetes is considered as an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. In this study, we assessed the cognitive status of diabetics and non diabetics by the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the Modified Mini Mental Status Examination (3MS) and also found a correlation of age, sex, the duration of diabetes and HbA1C with the cognitive status among the diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty males and females above the age of 50 years, with and without diabetes, were included in the study. Both the groups underwent a cognition assessment by MMSE and 3MS and they scored 30 and 100 respectively. The correlation of age, sex, the duration of diabetes and HbA1C among the diabetics with 3MS was also done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The analysis was done by using the SPSS software, version 13. The unpaired t test and one way ANOVA were used for various analyses. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS The diabetics showed decreased MMSE and 3MS scores (p<0.001). 63.33% of the diabetics had a decreased cognition, based on the MMSE and 70% of the diabetics had a decreased cognition, based on the 3MS. The correlation of age, sex, the duration of diabetes and HbA1C among the diabetics with cognition status was not significant. CONCLUSION Diabetes is associated with lower levels of the cognitive function. By the early implementation of MMSE, we can detect even a mild cognitive impairment, so that adequate treatment can be given, to prevent dementia.