Cystic fibrosis-relate d diab etes (CFRD) and cognitive function in adults with cystic fibrosis

Background: Being able to function cognitively is imperative for successful achievement in school, working life, and disease self-management. Diabetes is known to cause changes in brain structure and longterm cognitive dysfunction. This work investigated cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) as a mechanism for cognitive impairment in people with CF. It was hypothesised that cognition would be poorer in adults with CFRD than in those with CF without diabetes (CFND) or in healthy controls. Methods: Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery which provides a comprehensive cognitive assessment with tests mapping onto specific brain regions. Demographic, clinical and self-reported health data were documented for all participants. CF specific clinical variables were recorded for the two CF groups. Results: Ninety-eight people with CF (4 9CFRD,4 9CFND) and 4 9 healthy controls were recruited. People with CF demonstrated deficits in aspects of verbal and spatial memory, processing speed and cognitive flexibility compared with healthy controls, with all areas of the brain implicated. Those with CFRD had additional difficulties with higher-level processes known collectively as 'executive function', which demand greater cognitive load and recruit the prefrontal cortex. Compared with healthy controls, those with CFND and CFRD had an estimated 20% and up to 40% reduction in processing speed respectively. Conclusion: Managing CF requires higher order executive function. Impairments may be sufficient to interfere with self-care and the ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently. At which point in the CF disease trajectory these difficulties begin, and what may attenuate them, has yet to be determined. (c) 2021 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) on cognitive function. The results showed that individuals with CFRD demonstrated deficits in aspects of verbal and spatial memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility. They also experienced higher-level difficulties with executive function. These cognitive impairments may interfere with self-care and the efficient performance of everyday tasks.