Pre-diabetes and diabetes are independently associated with adverse cognitive test results: a cross-sectional, population-based study.

Pre-diabetes and diabetes are associated with minor deficits in global cognitive function, processing speed and executive functioning. Long-standing diabetes is associated with bigger deficits. There appears to be a continuous inverse correlation between glucose levels and cognitive test results, also for people without diabetes. Associations are stronger in older and less physically active individuals. Cardiovascular factors are important mediating factors in the pathway between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction.