Cognitive capacity and functional development assessment in elderly people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the cognitive capacity and functional development of the elderly with and without diabetes. Methods: case-control study, comparing elderly people with and without diabetes. 218 patients interviewed in outpatient clinics: geriatrics and endocrinology. Validated instruments were used for cognitive and functional assessment. Results: people with diabetes had low scores on cognitive tests. HbA1c and education were related to memory loss, compromising the basic and instrumental activities of daily life. Conclusion: this study evaluated that high glycemic values affect the autonomy of the elderly, compromising cognition and functional performance in activities of daily living.