Relationship between cognitive function in individuals with diabetic foot ulcer and mortality

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Individuals with DM and DFU exhibit lower cognitive function compared to those without DFU.
• The relationship between cognitive function and mortality in DFU patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if baseline cognitive function in individuals with DFU is a predictor of mortality.
• To explore the association between cognitive status and vital status in a DFU cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study utilizing data from a 2010-2012 case-control study.
• 90 participants with DFU underwent cognitive testing (NeuroTrax battery) and depression assessment.
• Vital status (dead/alive) was collected in 2020 to assess mortality risk.

Main Results:

• During a median 6.8-year follow-up, 43.3% of participants died.
• Higher baseline global cognitive scores and executive function were observed in survivors, but this did not translate to increased mortality risk.
• After adjusting for HbA1c and vascular complications, no significant association between cognitive tests and mortality persisted.

Conclusions:

• The elevated mortality rate in type 2 DM patients with DFU was not significant after adjusting for glycemic control and vascular complications.
• Potential shared pathophysiological pathways between DM complications, cognitive impairment, and mortality warrant further investigation.
• Additional research is required to elucidate these complex relationships.