Cognitive Function in Older Diabetic Subjects with a History of Alcohol Abuse

Abstract

Either diabetes or alcohol abuse can impair cognitive function, especially at older ages. Whether a history of alcohol abuse increases the risk for cognitive impairment in diabetic patients has not been examined. Cognitive function of type 2 diabetic subjects with a history of alcohol abuse was expected to be more impaired than that of subjects with either diabetes or alcohol abuse alone. Men, >55 years of age, were categorized as 15 alcoholic-diabetic; 15 alcoholic-nondiabetic; 15 nonalcoholic-diabetic; 15 nonalcoholic-nondiabetic, and matched on age, sex, and education. Participants' verbal memory, visuospatial memory, and executive functions were assessed using a neurocognitive test battery. Significant interactions of diabetes and alcoholism for Visual Delayed Recall, Story Immediate Recall, and Story Delayed Recall implied that diabetes and alcohol abuse enhanced each other's effect in lowering cognitive test scores. Alcohol abuse history in older diabetic subjects presents an increased risk for cognitive impairment.