Influence of Pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus on Executive Function Deficits in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract

The study aims to examine the compounded effects of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) on executive functions (EFs) in young and middle-aged adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 97 individuals divided into 3 groups: adults with TBI, adults with both TBI and DM, and a healthy control group. We assessed the participants using various neuropsychological tests and functional status questionnaires. The study found that participants with both TBI and DM exhibited significantly worse outcomes on measures of EF than those with TBI alone. Additionally, patients with TBI and a history of DM perceived a greater need for assistance with cognitive and emotional issues. These findings underscore the need for integrated care strategies that specifically cater to the heightened neuropsychological impairments in young and middle-aged adults with TBI and DM. Future research should continue to explore these relationships longitudinally to understand and address the long-term impacts of combined TBI and DM on EFs within this age group.