| Most studies suggest that individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for cognitive impairment compared to non-diabetics. As the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol on cognitive function have been recognized in other chronic diseases, it was expected that increased amounts of alcohol consumption would be associated with better cognitive performance in Type 2 diabetes.; Fifty-three elderly male outpatients with Type 2 diabetes were recruited from a medical center. During a 45-minute testing session, patients were administered a self-report depression questionnaire, a series of standardized cognitive tests, and a self-report questionnaire that assessed frequency of alcohol and typical amount ingested.; In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, increased alcohol consumption was associated with higher verbal fluency scores and less depressive symptomatology, but not with performance on other cognitive measures. Apparently, moderate levels of alcohol selectively protect against cognitive impairment in Type 2 diabetes. |
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