Multicomponent intervention for improving cognitive function among community dwelling older adults with type 2 diabetes A nonrandomized intervention study

Aging and type-2 diabetes (T2DM) are correlated with increased odds of accelerated cognitive decline. Research shows that diabetes increases cognitive impairment risk, and cognitive impairment makes diabetes self-management more challenging in the elderly. Novelty: Given the lack of affordable, effective drugs to mitigate dementia or cognitive decline in diabetic elderly, the importance of non-drug intervention is emphasized in this research. Objectives: To investigate the effect of a multicomponent intervention program on cognitive function and physical functionality in older adults with T2DM. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial including older adults with T2DM and mild cognitive impairment will be recruited from multisite diabetes clinics in the Pune city area. The trial will recruit total176 participants who meet the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be divided into two groups (88 each) for a 12-week intervention that combines exercise and cognitive training, and a control group that receives usual care. The participant will be evaluated systematically using the questionnaire and neuropsychological test at the three time points: baseline, immediate post intervention, 6-month post intervention. Descriptive statistics and appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests will be conducted to see the effect of intervention and differences in the group. Cohen’s d will be calculated to determine the effect size .Expected outcome: The study will fill an important gap by addressing cognitive function in the management of diabetes. Improvements in cognitive performance as a result of intervention can translate into improved performance in everyday life and, possibly, diabetes self-management.