Diabetes mellitus predicts cognitive impairment in patients with ischemic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with an increased incidence of cognitive impairment.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review study involving 707 patients admitted for rehabilitation after an ischemic stroke. Cognitive status was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and scores lower than 24 points were considered suggestive of cognitive impairment.


RESULTS
Age, gender, NIDDM, dementia, and previous stroke emerged as the only statistically significant parameters differing between those with MMSE score lower than 24 or higher. After adjusting for confounding variables, NIDDM (odds ratio 1.46, 95% CI 1.05-2.05, P = .02) was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that NIDDM is independently associated with lower MMSE scores in ischemic stroke patients. It identifies individuals in need of specifically targeted interventions and may assist in selecting and developing resources for cognitively impaired diabetic patients.
Mizrahi
Eliyahu Hayim
EH
Department of Geriatric Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. exm42@sheba.health.gov.il
Waitzman
Ana
A
Blumstein
Tzvia
T
Arad
Marina
M
Adunsky
Abraham
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation