Risk Factors, Pathological Changes, and Potential Treatment of Diabetes‐Associated Cognitive Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Background Diabetes is a prevalent public health issue worldwide, and the cognitive dysfunction and subsequent dementia caused by it seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Methods Recent studies were reviewed to provide a comprehensive summary of the risk factors, pathogenesis, pathological changes and potential drug treatments for diabetes‐related cognitive dysfunction (DACD). Results Several risk factors contribute to DACD, including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, blood sugar fluctuations, hyperinsulinemia, aging, and others. Among them, modifiable risk factors for DACD include blood glucose control, physical activity, diet, smoking, and hypertension management, while non‐modifiable risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, sex, and duration of diabetes. At the present, the pathogenesis of DACD mainly includes insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, vascular disorders, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter disorders. Conclusions In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the risk factors, pathogenesis, pathological changes and potential drug treatments for DACD, providing information from multiple perspectives for its prevention and management.