Cognitive Impairments and Neuroimaging Features in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition, and cognitive dysfunction is increasingly recognised as a complication, partly due to longer life expectancy resulting from improved disease management. This study aimed to examine the neuroimaging characteristics of cognitive impairment in T2DM and its relationship with blood glycaemic parameters. Sixty patients with T2DM were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the McNair and Kahn scales. Brain MRI was performed with GE Optima 450w 1.5T, following standard protocols. The results showed cognitive dysfunction in all patients with chronic cerebral ischemia, with MRI data revealing reduced hippocampal, grey, and white matter volumes. These findings suggest that brain atrophy, particularly in the white and grey matter and hippocampus, is common in T2DM patients, especially those with chronic cerebral ischemia. This atrophy is closely linked to glycaemic variability, highlighting the need for monitoring in diabetic care.