Simple Urine Test May Help Identify Individuals with Diabetes at Risk for Cognitive Decline

Highlights
• Diabetics with persistent protein in the urine over four to five years had greater declines in cognitive function than diabetics without protein in the urine.
• The decline was subtle; however, over 10 to 15 years it could translate into noticeable impairment.
 
People with type 2 diabetes have a 50% to 60% increased risk of experiencing cognitive impairment than people without diabetes.

Newswise — Washington, DC (August 29, 2013) — The presence of protein in the urine may be a marker of risk for future cognitive decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). The finding suggests that urinary protein may be an early warning sign regarding patients’ cognitive abilities.