Association between triglyceride glucose index and cognitive decline: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a novel indicator of insulin resistance (IR).
• Its association with cognitive decline is debated.
• This study investigates the link between TyG index and cognitive decline risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between the TyG index and cognitive decline.
• To assess the risk of cognitive decline in individuals with higher TyG index levels.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline) was conducted up to October 2023.
• Included 3 cohort studies and 9 case-control/cross-sectional studies, totaling 5,603,350 participants.
• Random-effects models were used to calculate effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• A higher TyG index was associated with an elevated risk of cognitive decline (RR/HR=1.14, 95% CI [1.11, 1.17]; OR=1.75, 95% CI [1.34, 2.29]).
• Dose-response analysis indicated a 1.42 times higher risk of cognitive decline per 1 mg/dl increment of the TyG index (OR=1.42, 95% CI [1.19, 1.69]).

Conclusions:

• The TyG index is significantly related to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
• Limitations include the observational nature of included studies and potential confounding variables.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings.