Body and Brain
By Editorial Staff
Body and brain – the two are intimately connected, which means taking care of one requires taking care of the other. Case in point: research that suggests people with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop early-onset dementia.
Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors that increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes – and early-onset dementia. Per the Mayo Clinic, the risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat (high waist circumference), and high cholesterol or triglycerides. The more risk factors, the higher the risk of the above complications.
In the study, researchers evaluated health insurance data for almost 2 million middle-aged adults (ages 40-60) that included data on a health check-up, with measurements of all five metabolic syndrome risk factors recorded. Over an eight-year follow-up period, people with metabolic syndrome at baselines were more likely to develop dementia compared to people without metabolic syndrome.
Overall, having metabolic syndrome was associated with a 24% higher risk of early-onset dementia, including a 12% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and 21% increased risk of vascular dementia – even after accounting for other potential factors including physical activity, depression and stroke. What's more, each metabolic syndrome risk factor increased the risk of dementia; people with all five risk factors had a 70% increased risk of early-onset dementia.
Body and brain – take care of both with a sensible diet, consistent exercise and other lifestyle habits that reduce or altogether eliminate your risk of metabolic syndrome. Talk to your doctor for more information.
