Cognitive Risk Stratification in Type 2 Diabetes: A Step Toward Early Detection

Cognitive health influences our daily functioning, decision-making, and quality of life, an important aspect of overall well-being. This brain function, which encompasses memory, attention, and executive functioning, is affected by the transition to middle age (40-65 years old), which is considered part of the normal aging process. Considering the lack of effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, early identification of cognitive decline is crucial for implementing interventions to maintain mental health and slow down or prevent these diseases. Different diseases have been associated with early cognitive decline, such as obesity and diabetes (1, 2). Most of the research in the field accounts for the chronic low-grade systemic inflammation occurring during obesity as the leading cause of cognitive impairment (CI) (3, 4). Although little is known about the underlying mechanism, researchers are mainly focused on finding the best approach to assessing cognition in individuals with no associated dementia. Current instruments, primarily based on psychological research, may result in inconsistencies and ongoing debates regarding their effectiveness.