Abstract

Objective: To understand the moderating role of diabetes mellitus for depression and executive dysfunctioning (Attention shifting, Task inhibition and Working memory) in older adults.
Methodology: In this quantitative and cross sectional study, data of 100 participants were collected through purposive and convenient sampling technique who were diabetic geriatric patients from Lahore, Pakistan. Demographic sheet, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Encephal App Stroop Test (online application), Mini Mental Status Examination and Ichihara Color Blindness online tests were used.
Results: Type II diabetics were more depressed as compared to type I and people with type II diabetes showed poor attention shifting and task inhibition than type I diabetics. However, working memory, attention shifting and task inhibition showed non-significant results. There was increase in level of depression which further increased and strengthened the relationship of attention shifting and task inhibition on collective and separate level in type 2 diabetes. Independent variables showed no significant effect of moderator as types of diabetes in relation between depression and three types of executive dysfunctioning (p>0.05).
Conclusion: There are certain significant differences among type of diabetes and depression as well as executive dysfunctioning in diabetic older adults. Diabetes serves as moderator between depression and executive dysfunctioning in older adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, executive dysfunctioning, geriatric depression.