Author: Erika    Pacheco

Major: Zoology

Graduation Year: 2021

Thesis Advisor: Fayeza Ahmed

Description of Publication: Individuals who are diagnosed with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) have shown decline in proper kidney function, ultimately leading to a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in about one-third of T2DM cases. Even though these are alarming rates of both diseases, these conditions are rarely studied concurrently. The general focus for this research is to identify whether or not kidney function in individuals with T2DM relates to their cognitive function. Specifically, is albuminuria in individuals with T2DM a risk for poorer cognitive performance? Maine Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS) data for the 121 participants with T2DM was analyzed through correlational analysis and a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Data analysis showed no evidence to support albuminuria as a risk factor for cognitive decline in T2DM. Evidence was found to support GFR as a risk factor for working memory and executive function decline.

Location of Publication:

URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/675/