Metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline in chinese older adults: results from the singapore longitudinal ageing studies

To determine the association of the metabolic syndrome (MS) with cognitive decline in a Chinese older population.In a prospective cohort study of 1,352 community-living Chinese older adults without cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE24) and without cardiovascular disease and stroke, the authors assessed baseline MS (defined according to International Diabetic Federation Criteria). Cognitive decline was predefined as at least 2-point drop in MMSE score at follow-up 1-2 years after baseline assessment.MS was present in 26.3% of the participants at baseline and was significantly associated with the risk of cognitive decline (odds ratio, 1.42: confidence interval, 1.01-1.98), after controlling for potential confounding by age, gender, education, smoking, alcohol drinking, depressive symptoms, APOE-e4 status, level of leisure activities, baseline MMSE, and length of follow-up.The MS was associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in Chinese older adults.