Les complications cérébrales du diabétique âgé

Observational cross-sectional study including 200 diabetic patients aged over 65 years collected in the Diabetology department at the Casablanca University Hospital (Morocco) between January 2010 and March 2012, and a control group including 203 patients free of diabetes. In gerontological analysis, cognitive functions were assessed by the Folstein Mini-mental state examination (MMS); autonomy Activities of daily living (ADL) and Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales; nutritional status by the Mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and self-questionnaire AQRD, with an assessment of the social environment. Psychiatric and neurological examination aided by CT-scan results were used to assist in diagnosis of cerebral complications in these patients. Results Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The rate of brain complications objectified was significantly higherin the diabetes cohort: 29% of patients showed cognitive decline, 31% hada depressive syndrome, whose37% withanxiety disorders associated, and 22% of cases had an ischemic stroke with neurological after-effects responsible fora loss of autonomy. We confirm in ourstudy conducted in Morocco that diabetes, frequently associated with hypertension, is involved in cognitive decline in elderly diabetic patients, depressive syndrome, and the frequency and severity of stroke. These complications have somatic, psychological and social implications involving the patient's autonomy and complicating the management of diabetes.