Executive Function Impairment in Correlation with EEG Finding in Children with Type 1 DM at School Age

Abstract

Background: The age of onset is an important characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus, influencing cognitive functions. Typically, earlier  onset is associated with poorer cognitive performance.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between type 1  diabetes mellitus and cognitive dysfunction. 

Methods: This study included 100 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 20  apparently healthy children. They were divided as follows: The patient group (Group I) comprised 100 children with type 1 DM and the  control group (Group II) consisted of twenty apparently healthy children. All participants underwent a comprehensive assessment  including history-taking, sociodemographic data collection, general and local examination, and laboratory investigations.

Results: A  statistically significant association was found between "start the task" function and gender, with significantly higher mean scores  observed in females (p = 0.003). Participants' weight and height showed statistically significant negative correlations with the "organized"  function (p = 0.043 and 0.009, respectively). Moreover, the scores of "Block response" and "Working memory" were found to  exhibit statistically significant positive correlations with TLC, RBCs, and Hb levels, while they showed significant negative correlations  with HbA1c levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus demonstrated notable impairments in various executive functions, indicating a potential association between glycemic control, EEG findings, and cognitive dysfunction. Monitoring cognitive  function alongside medical parameters could be crucial in managing type 1 diabetes mellitus in children.