Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Elderly People: A 10-Year Cohort Study

Author(s): Ting-Ting Chang, Yung-Chieh Yen

ABSTRACT

Background: Cognitive function has been reported to predict subsequent disability and mortality in elderly people. This study aimed to explore whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) resulted in cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly people or not, accounting for depression and other risk factors during a long-term follow-up period.

Methods and Findings: A community-based cohort of 300 older adults was followed up for 10 years. Relationships among MetS, depressive symptoms, and consequent cognitive dysfunction were explored using a logistic regression. The presence of MetS at the baseline visit was associated with a 2.7–fold increase in the risk of cognitive decline after 10 years, and depressive symptoms were associated with a 2.4–fold increase in the risk of cognitive decline in
the community-dwelling elderly people.

Conclusions: The long-term outcomes of MetS are associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline among community-dwelling elderly people.