Characteristics of cognitive function in patients with adult-onset diabetes mellitus type 2 depending on the presence of depressions

Abstract

Background. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) suffer comorbid depression 1.4–3 times more often than those without DM. According to the latest data, DM in the world is on the 8th place as a cause of disability in the population, while depressive disorders occupy the 4th position. Depression affects emotion, cognition, and behavior, which results in the patient’s failure to carry out adequate treatment of the disease as a consequence of decompensation. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between cognitive status and the presence of depression in patients with adult-onset DM. Materials and methods. 81 patients with type 2 DM were examined, including 43 women and 38 men. Patients were divided into 2 groups, with and without depressive disorders. Assessment of depressive symptoms was conducted using questionnaires filled in by the patient himself, including: Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. According to the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the incidence of depressive disorders was 38.3 %. During examination of cognitive function, there was noted a significant decrease in performance of neuropsychological tests, namely clock drawing test and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)бы in patients with depressive disorders. In the study of the relationship of various factors, such as the duration of the disease, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, vibration sensitivity and the severity of depressive symptoms, no significant differences were found, while the level of glycated haemoglobin had a significant correlation with depression. Conclusions. Patients with depression had a significant decline of cognitive function according to the FAB, Mini-Mental State Examination and clock drawing test that determines the defeat of the frontal lobe of the brain. There was found a significant relationship between the level of glycated hemoglobin and the severity of depression. Thus, it is necessary to carry out screening for depressive disorders among patients with DM for the timely assistance and prevention of cognitive decline and disability in patients.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• anxiety-depressive disorders
• cognitive impairment
• depression
• memory