Sequence of cognitive decline and brain atrophy patterns in type 2 diabetes patients estimated using an event-based model of disease progression

Motivation: This study aimed to explore the sequence of cognitive impairment dimensions and of brain atrophy patterns in T2DM patients Goal(s): Event-based modeling (EBM) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used. Approach: EBM and PCA were used to explore the sequence of cognitive impairment dimensions and of brain atrophy patterns in T2DM patients. Results: working memory may represent the earliest cognitive dimension affected in T2DM patients with the insula as the earliest region of brain atrophy in T2DM patients. Compared to healthy controls, T2DM patients exhibited a significant decline in memory capabilities, which also showed a pronounced negative correlation with the patients' clinical data. Impact: These discoveries offer new insights into understanding the cognitive impairments and brain structural changes associated with T2DM.