Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cognitive Exercises

The aim of this study is to strengthen patient outcomes and diabetes management in individuals with diabetes through cognitive-based diabetes education. The study was planned as a single-center, prospective randomized controlled study. İndividuals over 65 years of age with type 2 diabetes with without severe cognitive impairment will be included in the study. In the study, patients will receive diabetes education and cognitive exercise for 12 weeks. In the study, patients will be randomized into three groups: "cognitive exercise and diabetes education", "diabetes education only" and "control" group. The control group will be provided with standard outpatient diabetes education. Patients will be evaluated in terms of cognitive function, psychosocial problems (anxiety, depression, stress), glycemic control (HbA1c), diabetes management and quality of life before the interventions, at 3 months and 6 months.

In the study, diabetes education will be provided through short, understandable diabetes education videos prepared by the researcher with up-to-date guide information. A total of 12 videos will be sent to patients' phones, covering a different topic each week for 3 months. Diabetes education video contents are as follows; Type 2 diabetes definition, symptoms and the effect of diabetes on cognitive functions, Medical nutrition therapy and healthy nutrition recommendations in Type 2 diabetes, The importance of diabetes and exercise, Oral antidiabetic treatments, Insulin treatment, Hypoglycemia symptoms, findings and treatment, Macrovascular complications in diabetes, Microvascular complications in diabetes, Foot Protection and care recommendations, Diabetes self-care skills and problem-solving strategies, Diabetes and stress management.

A mobile application will be used as a cognitive exercise tool in the study. This mobile application is a science-based application that patients can access via their smartphone or tablet. It consists of verbal, numerical, visual, logical, memory and attention categories and contains 24 different gamified mind exercises.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least one year
• Literate
• Able to use smartphone/tablet/computer and have internet access
• Individuals who agree to participate in the study will be included.

Exclusion criteria

• Type 1 diabetes
• With severe cognitive impairment
• Known neurological or psychiatric disorders
• Severely depressed
• Individuals with disabilities (vision, hearing problems, etc.) will not be included in the study