Effect of the treatment of Type II diabetes mellitus on the development of cognitive impairment and dementia.

There is increasing interest in preventing cognitive impairment and dementia in later life. Epidemiological evidence shows a relationship between cognitive impairment and Type II diabetes. This association is stronger in patients who have been diagnosed for longer periods of time and in those who are on insulin therapy. There is little information on the short- and long-term influence of type of treatment and level of metabolic control on cognitive function of people with diabetes.