Cerebral perfusion in relation to cognitive function and type 2 diabetes

A. M. Tiehuis*, K. L. Vincken, E. van den Berg, J. Hendrikse, S. M. Manschot, W. P. T. M. Mali, L. J. Kappelle, G. J. Biessels

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Aims/hypothesis Underlying mechanisms for decreased cognitive functioning in patients with type 2 diabetes are unclear. In the general population, cerebral hypoperfusion is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Reduced cerebral perfusion may account for cognitive impairments in diabetic patients relative to controls.

Methods A total of 98 patients with type 2 diabetes and 47 control participants underwent neuropsychological evaluation. Total cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed non-invasively by measuring the volume flow in the internal carotid arteries and basilar artery with two-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography. Relative total CBF, a measure of mean total cerebral perfusion, was obtained by expressing total CBF per 100 ml brain parenchyma volume.

Results Patients with type 2 diabetes performed worse on neuropsychological tests (p < 0.05). Total CBF per 100 ml brain parenchyma volume did not differ between participants with and without diabetes (difference -2.3 ml min(-1) 100 ml(-1); 95% CI -6.0, 1.3). In the entire group, total CBF per 100 ml brain parenchyma volume was positively associated with cognitive functioning (0.09 SD increase in composite z score per 10 ml min(-1) 100 ml(-1) increase in relative total CBF). This association was not affected by type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion/interpretation Although total CBF per 100 ml brain parenchyma volume was associated with cognitive functioning, it did not explain cognitive impairments in patients with type 2 diabetes relative to controls.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1321-1326
Number of pages6
JournalDiabetologia
Volume51
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2008
Externally publishedYes

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