Patients with both cognitive impairment and solid cancer present increased insulin resistance

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.