Glucose regulation is associated with attentional control performances in nondiabetic older adults

Less efficient glucose regulation, the ability to metabolize glucose, has been associated with poorer cognitive performances in older individuals not meeting criteria for type 2 diabetes ( Messier, Tsiakas, Gagnon, & Desrochers, 2010 ). Yet, the influence of glucose regulation on attentional functions, which are sensitive to aging, is still unclear. The present study examined the relationship between glucose regulation and performances on attentional tasks in nondiabetic older adults. Twenty-two participants (60 years and older) were tested on neuropsychological tests of attention (Trail Making test, modified Stroop test) and on a computerized dual task, after receiving a 50-g glucose drink. Participants with the worse glucose regulation committed more errors on the switching condition of the modified Stroop test (p < .05) and tended to make more errors in divided-attention trials of the computerized dual task (p = .05). Altogether, these results suggest that glucose regulation may transiently influence performances of metabolically healthy older adults on tasks requiring switching attention.