Diabetes linked to brain decline

New research suggests that diabetic retinopathy may be associated with memory impairment and reduced brain functioning.

The study results were announced last week at the annual Diabetes UK Conference in Liverpool. Over 1,000 people with type 2 diabetes, aged between 60 and 75 years, had been assessed using seven tests aimed at measuring memory, logic and concentration levels. Those exhibiting retinopathy scored significantly lower in most of the tests as well as being assessed as having a lower general cognitive ability when compared to the non-retinopathy control. The results were normalised for age and gender.

Lead researcher at Edinburgh University Jie Ding suggested the association could be linked to 'cerebral microvascular disease, as indexed by retinopathy, which may lead to cognitive decrements in old age'. Alternatively, it may be that poorer cognitive ability makes diabetes management more difficult, resulting in the vascular compromise.