Type
2 diabetes linked to worse performance on cognitive testing
University of Waterloo, Science
DailyType 2 diabetes is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests measuring abilities involved in the control of emotions, behaviours and thought, says a new study from the University of Waterloo.
The paper appears in Psychosomatic
Medicine, and is the first comprehensive statistical summary of available
studies that examine the link between type 2 diabetes and a reduction of
certain cognitive abilities, known as executive functions.
The executive functions inhibit habitual thinking patterns, knee-jerk emotional reactions and reflexive behaviours such as making impulse purchases or automatically following social cues.
The executive functions inhibit habitual thinking patterns, knee-jerk emotional reactions and reflexive behaviours such as making impulse purchases or automatically following social cues.
Researchers reviewed 60 studies comparing 9,815 individuals with type 2 diabetes to 69,254 controls without it and examined their performance on measures of executive function.
"This facet of brain function is particularly important
because we rely on it when we are attempting to behave in a way that is
contrary to our natural inclinations or what the environment impels us to
do," said Corrie Vincent, a graduate student in the School of Public
Health and Health Systems at Waterloo, and lead author on the study.
Health professionals encourage individuals with type 2 diabetes
to consistently monitor their dietary choices, check their blood sugar and
adhere to medication schedules. Type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased
quality of life and a number of microvascular and macrovascular complications
if not properly managed.
"The types of behaviours that are recommended to help
individuals control type 2 diabetes are all things that do not come naturally
to most people. Human beings have fairly reliable preferences for high-calorie
foods and to resist medical routines that are inconvenient or
time-consuming," said Professor Peter Hall, of the Faculty of Applied
Health Sciences at Waterloo, and senior author on the study.
Many individuals with type 2 diabetes experience burnout in
managing their disease. The inability to self-manage the condition is often a
source of concern among family members, physicians and even the patients
themselves.
"The problem is the fact that effective diabetes management
relies pretty heavily on executive function," said Professor Hall.
"Essentially people with Type 2 diabetes may be hit with the double whammy
of having more need for executive control, but -- possibly because of the
disease's effect on the brain -- less intact resources for exerting it."
Recent studies suggest that older adults in particular can
improve their executive function by engaging in cognitively stimulating
activities and staying physically active have been shown help strengthen the
area of the brain responsible for self-control. Seniors make up the largest
demographic of patients with type 2 diabetes.
"Fortunately, there are a few things that can help optimize
the brain structures that support executive function," said Professor
Hall. "Aerobic exercise and cognitively challenging activities -- such as
learning new things, solving difficult puzzles and other problem solving activities
--all help to keep your brain sharp. Aerobic exercise is probably the most
important, however, because it has benefits to both the brain and the rest of
the body simultaneously."
Approximately 600 million people live with type 2 diabetes
worldwide, with nearly 800 million cases expected by 2030, making it one of the
greatest global health concerns of modern times. More than 2 million Canadians
currently live with type 2 diabetes.
Story
Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Waterloo. Note: Materials may be edited for
content and length.
Journal
Reference:
. Vincent, Corita; Hall, Peter A. Executive Function in Adults
With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 2-15
DOI:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000103
Cite
This Page:
University of Waterloo. "Type 2 diabetes linked to worse
performance on cognitive testing." Science
Daily, 13 February 2015.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150213112321.htm>.
