A simple screening test with a potential to detect diabetic cognitive impairment in the geriatric population: a preliminary study (original) (raw)

Objective: To identify a test to screen for cognitive impairment due to diabetes which can be used easily, without specialized training, by all healthcare professionals in the primary care setup. Methodology: The study was conducted in five healthy and five diabetic male subjects using a neurocognitive screening instrument named the 7 Minute Screen which consisted of a battery of four tests, each focusing on an area of cognition compromised in mild cognitive impairment – orientation, memory, visuospatial ability and expressive language. Results: A significant reduction in orientation was seen in chronic diabetics compared to healthy age matched control group along with a higher risk of developing dementia, suggesting a role for type-2 diabetes mellitus in aggravating normal cognitive derangement with age. But further studies have to be done to rule out other confounding factors. Conclusion: Though similar studies have been conducted in the past using other tests, this test has the a...