Cognitive dysfunction in diabetes-related foot complications: A cohort study

Nguyen, ML; Wong, D; Barson, E; Staunton, E; Fisher, CA

Author(s): Nguyen, ML; Wong, D; Barson, E; Staunton, E; Fisher, CA;
Details: Publication Year 2024-06,Volume 23,Issue #1,Page 1017-1038
Journal Title: Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Mild-moderate cognitive impairment has been identified in general diabetes, and early evidence indicates cognitive reductions may be more pronounced in those with diabetes-related foot complications (DRFC). Cognitive difficulties may impede treatment engagement and self-management. This requires further explication to optimise patient care and outcomes. The current study aimed to characterise cognitive function in people with DRFC using comprehensive cognitive measures. METHOD: This cross-sectional cohort study recruited 80 adult participants (M (age) = 63.38, SD = 11.40, range = 30 - 89) from the Royal Melbourne Hospital Diabetic Foot Unit in Victoria, Australia, all with DRFC. Each completed a comprehensive cognitive battery (memory, attention, executive functions) and scores were calculated using age-matched population norms, where available. RESULTS: On the majority of tasks, DRFC participants performed significantly worse than age-matched norms, with the largest decrements seen in inhibition control, verbal memory, verbal abstract reasoning and working memory. Small to moderate reductions were also seen in visual learning, verbal fluency, processing speed and premorbid functioning. Demographic (lower education, male gender) and clinical factors (higher HbA1c, macrovascular and microvascular disease, longer diabetes duration) were associated with poorer cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Marked reductions in cognitive functioning were found in individuals with DRFC, predominantly in the domains of verbal memory and executive functioning. Lower education, male gender and indicators of diabetes severity, such as vascular disease, are associated with heightened risk for poorer cognitive functioning. As DRFCs are a serious complication with devastating outcomes if not successfully managed, cognitive barriers to self-management must be addressed to optimise treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01381-4.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: Executive function; Glycated haemoglobin; Memory; Self-management; Ulcer; Vascular disease
Department(s): Psychosocial Oncology
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01381-4
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01381-4
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-08-06 08:21:55

Last Modified: 2024-08-06 08:24:57