Cross-sectional study links glycemic status to cognitive impairment and plasma amyloid in adults aged 51–80
In a cross-sectional study of 396 adults aged 51–80, cognitive impairment was more prevalent in higher HbA1c groups, from 26.97% without diabetes to 70.91% with uncontrolled diabetes; plasma amyloid was also measured. This shows association, not cause. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study was cross-sectional and included 396 people aged 51–80, grouped by HbA1c into no diabetes, prediabetes, diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes. [1]
Cognitive impairment affected 40.15% overall and rose from 26.97% without diabetes to 70.91% with uncontrolled diabetes. [1]
The authors describe impaired glycemic status as strongly associated with cognitive decline and altered amyloid profiles, and suggest early metabolic interventions and cognitive screening. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study (abstract).
- Population / context
- 396 adults aged 51–80 years, grouped by HbA1c level.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- April 28, 2026
Glycemic groups and cognition in 396 adults
The abstract describes a cross-sectional study of 396 people aged 51–80. Participants were sorted into four groups by HbA1c: no diabetes, prediabetes, diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes. Cognitive function was assessed with the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE). Fasting glucose, insulin, a measure of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profiles and plasma amyloid-beta 1-40 and 1-42 were measured. Because the study is cross-sectional, measurements reflect one point in time and cannot establish which came first.
Supporting source [1]
Impairment rose across glycemic groups
Overall, 40.15% of participants had cognitive impairment. The abstract reports prevalence rising with glycemic group: 26.97% in people without diabetes, 35.92% with prediabetes, 55.03% with controlled diabetes and 70.91% with uncontrolled diabetes. The reported difference was statistically significant (p value cut off in the supplied text). The authors describe impaired glycemic status as strongly associated with cognitive decline and altered amyloid biomarker profiles. These are associations in an aging population, not evidence that high blood sugar causes cognitive decline.
Supporting source [1]
Abstract-only scope and suggested interventions
The conclusion calls for early metabolic interventions and cognitive screening in people with diabetes to reduce the risk of early neurodegeneration. The abstract does not report whether such interventions were tested; this is a suggestion, not a demonstrated benefit. The full text was not reviewed, so details of recruitment, statistical adjustment and the exact p value are unavailable here. The study design cannot show causation, and the amyloid findings are blood biomarker correlations, not confirmed brain pathology.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The cross-sectional design cannot establish timing or causation, the exact p value is cut off in the supplied text, and the suggested interventions were not reported as tested.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Rajalakshmi R, Ramya CM, Naaz R, Madhunapantula SV, Uthaiah CA, Salimath PV. · europepmc.org · April 28, 2026