J Agric Med Community Health.  2023 Mar;48(1):1-12. 10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.1.001.

Factors Associated with Subjective Memory Impairment in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in a Metropolitan City

• Park M
• Ryu SY
• Choi SW
• Park J

• KMID: 2549223
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.1.001

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with subjective memory impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus in a metropolitan city.
Methods
The subjects of this study were 351 patients with diabetes mellitus aged 50 and over from five districts of Gwangju who participated in the 2018 Community Health Survey. We analyzed general characteristics, health-related behaviors and health related conditions and subjective experience of memory impairment. To find factors associated with subjective memory impairment, the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.
Results
Of all subjects, 31.3% was reported subjective experience of memory impairment. The odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence interval (CI)) for subjective memory impairment according to age were statistically significant at 1.9 (0.9-4.3) in patients in 60s and 2.2 (1.1-4.7) in patients in beyond 70s compared to those in 50s. The OR (95% CI) of ex-smoker compared to the non-smoker was 0.3 (0.8-0.9). The OR (95% CI) of depressive symptom compared to no depressive symptoms was 4.9 (95% CI: 1.8-13.7).
Conclusion
In this study, subjective memory impairment in patients with diabets mellitus was associated with age, smoking, and depressive symptoms. Based on the results of this study, subjective memory impairment should be detected early through periodic cognitive function evaluation for elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, and a program for healthy cognitive function should be included in diabetes management program.

Keyword

Depressive symptoms; Diabetes complication; Memory disorder; Risk factors; Smoking