Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score Relates to Cognitive and Metabolic Factors in Older Mexican Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Background/Objectives: The Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score (DSDRS) integrates clinical and metabolic markers to predict cognitive decline in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet its association with key modifiable risk factors remains unvalidated in Latin American cohorts. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the DSDRS and clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, and neuropsychological variables in older adults with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 291 Mexican adults aged ≥ 60 with T2DM was conducted, including assessments of cognitive function (MoCA), depression (BDI), sleep quality (AIS), and metabolic parameters. Results: Higher DSDRS correlated with lower cognitive scores, poorer sleep quality, reduced muscle mass, and smoking status. Multiple regression explained 32% of DSDRS variance, highlighting these factors as significant contributors. Conclusions: The DSDRS reflects multifactorial influences on dementia risk in older adults with T2DM and may aid early identification of individuals at increased cognitive vulnerability in this population.