Objective
In an aging population, an increase in elderly cancer patients with cognitive impairment is to be expected. Because cognitive impairment has a serious impact on quality of life of cancer patients, it is important to elucidate the possible association between cancer and cognitive impairment. Here, we focused on glucose metabolism as a factor that links cancer and cognitive impairment.
Results
A homeostasis model assessment was used to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-B). HOMA-B showed no difference among patients with cancer, with dementia, and with both. However, there was a significant difference in HOMA-IR. In comparison with patients with only solid cancer, patients with only cognitive impairment and those with both cancer and cognitive impairment showed increased HOMA-IR value. Insulin resistance was increased in patients with cognitive impairment only and those with both cognitive impairment and solid cancer compared to cancer patients without cognitive impairment; however, β-cell function was not affected. The present data indicate that elderly cancer patients with a high HOMA-IR score may be in higher risk of developing cognitive impairment. Furthermore, early treatment to reduce insulin sensitivity may become the prevention of cognitive impairment.