title: Potential effects of current drug therapies on cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease that can cause serious damage to various organs. Among the best-known complications, an important role is played by cognitive impairment. Impairment of cognitive functioning has been reported both in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. While this comorbidity has long been known, no major advances have been achieved in clinical research; it is clear that appropriate control of blood glucose levels represents the best current (although unsatisfactory) approach in the prevention of cognitive impairment. We have focused our attention on the possible effect on the brain of antidiabetic drugs, despite their effects on blood glucose levels, giving a brief rationale on the mechanisms (e.g. GLP-1, BDNF, ghrelin) that might be involved. Indeed, GLP-1 agonists are currently clinically studied in other neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease); furthermore, also other antidiabetic drugs have proven efficacy in preclinical studies. Overall, promising results are already available and finding new intervention strategies represents a current need in this field of research.
authors: Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Palleria
authors: Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Leporini
authors: Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Maida
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine Unit of "Mater Domini", University Hospital, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Policlinico "Mater Domini", Campus Universitario, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Succurro
authors: Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Giovambattista
authors: G
authors: De Sarro
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine Unit of "Mater Domini", University Hospital, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Policlinico "Mater Domini", Campus Universitario, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
authors: Franco
authors: F
authors: Arturi
authors: Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy. Electronic address: erusso@unicz.it.
authors: Emilio
authors: E
authors: Russo
mesh_terms: D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents
keywords: GLP-1; Gliptins; Metformin; Neuroprotection; Sulfonylureas; Thiazolidinediones