Cognitive functions in middle aged individuals are related to metabolic disturbances and aerobic capacity: a cross-sectional study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Cognitive functions in middle aged individuals are related to metabolic disturbances and aerobic capacity

T2 - a cross-sectional study

AU - Pedersen, Maria

AU - Pedersen, Karin Kaereby

AU - Bruunsgaard, Helle

AU - Krabbe, Karen Suarez

AU - Thomsen, Carsten

AU - Færch, Kristine

AU - Pedersen, Bente Klarlund

AU - Mortensen, Erik Lykke

PY - 2012/12/12

Y1 - 2012/12/12

N2 - Aims: Metabolic disturbances may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated the relation between cognitive impairment and metabolic deteriorations, low physical fitness, low-grade inflammation and abdominal obesity in middle aged individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 40 to 65 year-old patients with type 2 diabetes and limited co morbidity (N = 56), age-matched individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (N = 56) as well as age-matched controls with normal glucose tolerance (N = 72). Specific cognitive functions were assessed with focus on verbal memory, processing speed, executive functions, and a composite overall mean score. Oral glucose tolerance test, VO2max test, systemic inflammation, DXA scanning and abdominal MRI were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses adjusting for age, gender and verbal intelligence demonstrated that a low score in processing speed, executive functions and overall cognitive function were related to high fasting C-peptide, as well as low insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and VO2max. Measurements of blood glucose, obesity and inflammation were not associated with cognitive function. Conclusion: Low cognitive scores are seen in middle aged individuals with hyperinsulinemia, low insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and low aerobic capacity. These findings emphasize the importance of appropriate lifestyle and not only blood glucose control in prevention of cognitive disability.

AB - Aims: Metabolic disturbances may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated the relation between cognitive impairment and metabolic deteriorations, low physical fitness, low-grade inflammation and abdominal obesity in middle aged individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 40 to 65 year-old patients with type 2 diabetes and limited co morbidity (N = 56), age-matched individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (N = 56) as well as age-matched controls with normal glucose tolerance (N = 72). Specific cognitive functions were assessed with focus on verbal memory, processing speed, executive functions, and a composite overall mean score. Oral glucose tolerance test, VO2max test, systemic inflammation, DXA scanning and abdominal MRI were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses adjusting for age, gender and verbal intelligence demonstrated that a low score in processing speed, executive functions and overall cognitive function were related to high fasting C-peptide, as well as low insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and VO2max. Measurements of blood glucose, obesity and inflammation were not associated with cognitive function. Conclusion: Low cognitive scores are seen in middle aged individuals with hyperinsulinemia, low insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and low aerobic capacity. These findings emphasize the importance of appropriate lifestyle and not only blood glucose control in prevention of cognitive disability.

U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0051132

DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0051132

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 23251434

SN - 1932-6203

VL - 7

SP - e51132

JO - PLoS Computational Biology

JF - PLoS Computational Biology

IS - 12

ER -