Abstract
INTRODUCTION: As studies on the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including amnestic (aMCI) and non-amnestic (naMCI) subtypes, vary by sex and age, we investigated the sex- and age-specific effects of T2DM on incident MCI after five years in a population-based sample. METHODS: A total of 145 participants with T2DM and 1322 without T2DM were included. MCI was defined using established criteria excluding subjective cognitive decline. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) were calculated considering age, education, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol intake, and stratified by sex and age (middle-aged: 50-65 years; old-aged: 66-80 years). RESULTS: MCI occurred in 39.3% (n = 57) of participants with T2DM versus 27.5% (n = 363) without (aRR: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-1.73). Middle-aged men showed an association with naMCI (aRR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.26-4.39) and middle-aged women with aMCI (aRR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.58-7.21). DISCUSSION: T2DM increases MCI risk, particularly in middle-aged individuals with poorly controlled T2DM, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies. HIGHLIGHTS: Longitudinal results from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study in Germany.Incident mild cognitie impairment (MCI) was more common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; 39% vs 28%).T2DM affects incident MCI and subtypes in middle-aged, not old-aged; stronger in men with poorly controlled T2DM.Importance of enhancing age- and sex-specific prevention at the population level.