Neurocognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes: evidence for shared genetic aetiology.

Aims/hypothesis: Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive impairments, but it is unclear whether common genetic factors influence both type 2 diabetes risk and cognition.

Methods: Using data from 1892 Mexican-American individuals from extended pedigrees, including 402 with type 2 diabetes, we examined possible pleiotropy between type 2 diabetes and cognitive functioning, as measured by a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.

Results: Negative phenotypic correlations (ρ) were observed between type 2 diabetes and measures of attention (Continuous Performance Test [CPT d']: ρ = -0.