Earlier studies have suggested that cognitive dysfunction is common among such diabetes patients. The pathological basis of this dysfunction is not known, though the results of this Study of Cognitive Impairment and MRI Abnormality among Diabetics (SCIMAD) is underway to determine the correlation between cognitive impairment and cerebral atrophy.
One hundred study patients between ages 18 and 50, who have had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (diagnosed before age 18) for at least 10 years were compared with an equal number of subjects within the same age cohort who did not have diabetes. All subjects received brain MRI, and atrophy was determined using a previously validated scoring method.
To date, study results indicate that nearly 90 percent of the diabetic subjects had a brain volume score lower than the 50th percentile of the non-diabetic subjects. Jitendra Sharma, MD, and principal investigator Richard Chan, MBBS, FRCP, will present complete results during the meeting.
The study was supported by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and the National Institutes of Health.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit its online press room at www.aan.com/press/index.cfm.
Editor's Notes: Dr. Jitendra Sharma will present the research at 2:15 p.m., Wed., April 2 in Room 313B of the Hawaii Convention Center.
Dr. Richard Chan, principal investigator for the study, will be available to answer media questions during a briefing at 1 p.m. on Tues., April 1, in the AAN Press Room, Room 327 of the Hawaii Convention Center.
All listed times are for Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time (HT).
For more information contact:
Kathy Stone: 651-695-2763, kstone@aan.com
March 29-April 5, 808-792-6630
Marilee Reu, 651-695-2789, mreu@aan.com