Cystic Fibrosis and Cognitive Function

A growing body of evidence suggests that hyperglycemia in type 1 and type 2 diabetes is
associated with alterations in brain structure and cognitive impairment. People with cystic
fibrosis related diabetes (CRFD) are exposed to hyperglycemia as seen in other forms of
diabetes, and cystic fibrosis is also associated with chronic systemic inflammation. Both
hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation have been postulated to affect brain structure and
function. Cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR). protein is widely
expressed in the neurons of the brain including in the hippocampus The hippocampus plays an
essential role in learning and memory processing and is thought to be particularly vulnerable
to effects of metabolic stressors. The expression of CFTR in neurons has several potential
implications for central nervous system function, including cognition.

The long-term goal of this project is to examine the effects of cystic fibrosis (CF) and
cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) on brain structure and function.

Inclusion Criteria:

patients with Cystic fibrosis healthy controls

Exclusion Criteria:

For both Groups

- History of stroke

- History of epilepsy

- History of neurosurgical procedures

- Past or current history of severe psychiatric illness

- Pass or current history of alcohol or substance abuse

- Presence of metallic substances in body or inability to remove before imaging
procedure

- History of claustrophobia or known inability to tolerate MRI

- Current pregnancy

- Inability to consent