A distinct blood biomarker profile may help identify early cognitive decline in adults with T2DM. The study, published in the Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, examined whether neuroinflammatory, metabolic, and neuroprotective markers can detect cognitive impairment before symptoms become clinically apparent.

The analysis included 200 adults, 100 with T2DM and 100 controls. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and serum levels of HMGB1, IL-1β, TLR4, IL-6, ADAM-10, TNF-α, mTOR, PI3K, Akt, and Klotho were measured.

Individuals with T2DM had lower MoCA scores and significantly higher concentrations of HMGB1, IL-1β, TLR4, IL-6, ADAM-10, TNF-α, mTOR, and PI3K. Akt and Klotho concentrations were lower. These biomarkers showed strong negative correlations with MoCA scores (p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified ADAM-10 (AUC 0.817), IL-1β (AUC 0.792), and Klotho (AUC 0.799) as the most informative indicators of cognitive impairment.

The findings suggest that a combined serum biomarker signature may support earlier detection and more accurate risk classification in diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction.