Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management in Older Adults with Dementia

Given that the population of older adults is growing rapidly, and that incidence of both diabetes and cognitive impairment rises with age, clinicians face the unique challenge of managing both conditions in older adults. However, there is a paucity of research and clinical guidance on how to manage this population with these co-existing complex conditions. Successful diabetes management requires active patient participation in diet and exercise adherence, home glucose monitoring, and daily self-care such as foot care. Thus, it is easy to imagine why individuals with cognitive impairment have difficulty managing their diabetes. This chapter will delineate the impact of interactions between cognitive dysfunction and diabetes (primarily type 2) and its effect on pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and treatment strategies.