THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TYPE 2 DIABETES AND DEMENTIA IN ELDERLY PATIENTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Objectives: To investigate the association between diabetes and dementia in elderly patients, with a focus on understanding the potential risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical implications of this relationship.

Methods: A thorough search was conducted for pertinent literature using PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Library. Rayyan QRCI was used throughout this extensive procedure.

Results: Our results included eleven studies with a total of 5,758,607 patients. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 year to 12 years. It is common for older diabetic individuals to have cognitive impairment that is not diagnosed. There is a substantial correlation between glycated albumin, glycated albumin/HbA1c, IL-6, superoxide dismutase, poor diabetes self-management, decreased BMI, weight loss and the cognitive performance of senior T2D patients. One study found that metformin has a protective effect on dementia risk in T2D patients while the other reported that it has no effect. Old women with T2D showed higher rates of cognitive impairment as well as lower levels of executive and global cognitive function. One study reported that lower cognitive functioning is independently correlated with larger burdens of amyloid and small vessel disease.

Conclusion: There is strong evidence that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of dementia, however comprehensive epidemiological data about risk factors are scarce. The potential link between diabetes and dementia is attracting more attention in the scientific community since it is a highly relevant topic from both a public health and scientific standpoint. Investigating this connection might make some new pathways leading to neurodegeneration clearer.