A513A: Determining the relationship between diabetes and mental health status in mid-aged and older Australian women: A longitudinal study over 15 years.

Determining the relationship between diabetes and mental health status in mid-aged and older Australian women: A longitudinal study over 15 years.

Approved: 2014

Collaborators:

Dr Jency Thomas
Dr Amani Hamad Alhazmi
Dr Colleen Thomas
Dr Amy Larsen
Dr Hassan Vally
Dr Leila Karimi
Mr Oliver Mathew Butt

Synopsis

Whereas diabetes is associated with well-described cardiovascular complications, emerging evidence suggests an accelerated rate of age-related cognitive decline in these patients. Experimental studies suggest that fluctuations in the amount of blood glucose reaching the brain cause symptoms ranging from mild cognitive impairment through to dementia and even death. Few population-based studies have examined this phenomenon but gender bias may exist, with mental health decline more prevalent in females than males above the age of 65. This project will evaluate the relationship between diabetes and mental health status in mid-aged and older Australian women over a 15-year time frame.