Cognitive efficiency declines over time in adults with Type 1 diabetes: effects of micro- and macrovascular complications

Abstract

Mild cognitive dysfunction is not uncommon in adults with Type 1 diabetes, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Previous cross-sectional studies had suggested that microangiopathy might affect brain integrity and lead to 'central neuropathy.' To assess the relationship between changes in cognitive performance and the incidence of new micro- and macrovascular complications, 103 young and middle-aged adults (mean age: 40 yrs) with childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes were followed over a 7-year period, and were compared to 57 demographically-similar adults without diabetes.