ABSTRACT
Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We aimed to establish sex differences in the manifestation of NPS in memory clinic patients with possible VCI and identify which NPS are determinants of clinical progression in women and men separately. Methods: We included 718 memory clinic patients (age 68 ± 8; 45% women) with cognitive complaints and vascular brain lesions on MRI (i.e. possible VCI). NPS were measured using the 12-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Clinical progression after two years (women 18%, men 14%) was defined as increase in CDR ≥1 or institutionalization (available n = 589 without advanced dementia at baseline). The association between NPS and clinical progression was assessed with Cox proportional hazard models stratified by sex, adjusted for age and clinical diagnosis and in a second model additionally for manifestations of vascular brain lesions. Results: Men more often presented with agitation (29% versus 17%, p<.05) and irritability (58% versus 45%, p<.05), the other 10 NPS (delusions, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, aberrant motor behavior, nighttime disturbances and appetite & eating abnormalities) did not differ between sexes. In women the presence of apathy (HR 2.1[1.1;4.3]) was associated with higher risk of clinical progression. In men the presence of depression (HR 2.7[1.4;5.1]) and aberrant motor behavior (HR 2.1[1.1;3.8]) were associated with increased risk of clinical progression. Conclusion: Manifestations of NPS in patients with possible VCI differ by sex. Different NPS are associated with future clinical progression in men and women. Management strategies of NPS could benefit from sex-specific approaches.
ABSTRACT
The risk of dementia is increased in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review gives an update on the relation between T2DM and specific dementia subtypes - i.e. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia - and underlying pathologies. We will show that while epidemiological studies link T2DM to Alzheimer's disease as well as vascular dementia, neuropathological studies attribute the increased dementia risk in T2DM patients primarily to vascular lesions in the brain. Risk factors for dementia among patients with T2DM are also addressed. Currently, there is evidence that microvascular complications, atherosclerosis and severe hypoglycemic events increase dementia risk. However, for a more complete understanding of risk factors for dementia in T2DM a life time perspective is needed. This should identify which individuals are at increased risk, what are vulnerable periods in life, and what are windows of opportunity for treatment. Currently, there are no DM specific treatments for dementia, but we will review observations from clinical trials that tried to prevent cognitive decline through intensified glycemic control and address other clinical implications of the association between T2DM and dementia.
