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Published on: February 14, 2014
Effect of age and glucoregulation on cognitive performance
Claude Messier1, Maria Tsiakas, Michèle Gagnon
1School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. CMESSIER@uottawa.ca
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|March 9, 2010
Summary
Prediabetes, characterized by abnormal glucose regulation, may precede cognitive decline. Poorer glucose control is linked to diminished working memory and executive function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is linked to neuropathy, retinopathy, and vascular disease.
- The cognitive effects of prediabetes, a state of impaired glucose regulation, are less understood.
- Identifying specific markers of impaired glucoregulation predictive of cognitive decline is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between glucose regulation and cognitive function in non-diabetic older adults.
- To determine which measures of glucose metabolism best predict cognitive performance.
- To explore whether glucose intake influences the association between glucose regulation and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Cognitive function was assessed in 93 non-diabetic older adults (55-88 years).
- Participants underwent glucose tolerance tests with measurements of glucose and insulin.
- Cognitive performance was evaluated after consuming saccharin or a glucose solution (50 g).
Main Results:
- Peak glucose and glucose levels at 1 hour post-consumption were most correlated with cognitive performance.
- Worsening glucose regulation predicted poorer performance in working memory and executive function tasks.
- Glucose intake did not significantly enhance cognition but appeared to mitigate the link between glucose regulation and cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairments may manifest before the diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes are met.
- Impaired glucose regulation, even in the prediabetic range, is associated with cognitive deficits.
- These findings highlight the importance of glucose metabolism in maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.
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