Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Function
Mouna Tahmi1, Priya Palta2,3, José A Luchsinger2,3
1Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. mt3288@cumc.columbia.edu.
Purpose Of Review:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors that are related to several adverse health outcomes, including poor cognitive function. This review seeks to summarize and critically review select recent findings on the association between MetS and cognition.
Recent Findings:
MetS was associated with lower domain-specific and global cognitive function in most cross-sectional studies, but findings from longitudinal studies are not consistent. The associations varied depending on age, sex, cognitive test, genetic susceptibility, and the duration of follow-up in prospective studies. MetS was associated with a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and progression from MCI to dementia, particularly vascular dementia. Among MetS components, high blood pressure, high waist circumference, and hyperglycemia were the strongest predictors of cognitive function. MetS is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment. Research is needed on how preventing or treating MetS affects cognition.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Language and Cognition
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...


