Original Research Article

Cognitive Functioning and Brain MRI in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study
Augustina M.A. Brands^{a, b, e}, Geert Jan Biessels^b, L. Jaap Kappelle^b, Edward H.F. de Haan^{a, b}, Harold W. de Valk^c, Ale Algra^{b, d}, Roy P.C. Kessels^{b, f, g}, on behalf of the Utrecht Diabetic Encephalopathy Study Group

^aHelmholtz Instituut, Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, and
^bDepartment of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neuroscience,
^cDepartment of Internal Medicine and
^dJulius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre, Utrecht,
^eNeuropsychology, Zuwe Hofpoort/Regional Psychiatric Centre, Woerden, and
^fDepartments of Geriatrics and Medical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, and
^gNijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2007;23:343-350 (DOI: 10.1159/000100980)

  Key Words

• Diabetes, neuropsychology
• Neuroimaging
• Psychological well-being
• Diabetes, risk factors

  Abstract

Background/Aims: Diabetes mellitus (DM) may affect the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive impairments. It has been suggested that cognitive impairments are more pronounced in DM2 than in DM1, but studies that directly compare the effects of these 2 types of DM on cognition are lacking. Methods: Forty patients with DM1 (mean duration: 34 years) were compared with 40 age- and education-matched patients who were known to have DM2 (mean duration: 7 years). Extensive neuropsychological assessment focussed on abstract reasoning, memory, attention and executive function, visuoconstruction and information processing speed. Psychological well-being was measured and brain MRIs were obtained. Results:No systematic between-group differences were observed in neuropsychological measures or levels of psychological well-being. DM2 patients showed significantly more deep white matter lesions and cortical atrophy on MRI (p < 0.01). Conclusion: DM1 patients with more than 30 years of DM have a similar cognitive profile and better MRI ratings than age- and education-matched DM2 patients with only 7 years of DM.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Ineke Brands
Neuropsychology, Zuwe Hofpoort
Blekerijlaan 3
NL-3447 AC Woerden (The Netherlands)
Tel. +31 348 427 111, Fax +31 348 427 160, E-Mail I.Brands@altrecht.nl

  Article Information

The Utrecht Diabetic Encephalopathy Study Group consists of (in alphabetical order of participating hospitals): Department of Internal Medicine, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands: R.P.L.M. Hoogma; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology: A.C. van Huf- felen; Department of Internal Medicine: H.W. de Valk; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care: A. Algra, G.E.H.M. Rutten; Department of Medical Pharmacology: W.H. Gispen; Department of Neurology: A. Algra, G.J. Biessels, L.J. Kappelle, S.M. Manschot, J. van Gijn; Department of Neuropsychology and Helmholtz Research Institute: A.M.A. Brands (currently also Zuwe Hofpoort; Regionaal Psychiat- risch Centrum, Woerden, The Netherlands), E.H.F. de Haan, R.P.C. Kessels (currently at Departments of Medical Psychology and Geriatrics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre and NICI, Radboud University Nijmegen), E. van den Berg; Department of Radiology: J. van der Grond (currently at department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center), all part of the University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine: J.W. van der Beek Boter; Department of Neurology: J.M.L. Henselmans, both part of Zuwe Hofpoort Hospital, Woerden, The Netherlands.

Accepted: January 18, 2007
Published online: March 20, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 39