J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2011 Aug;29(3):159-164.

Metabolic Syndrome and Dementia

• Lee AY

Abstract

The essential components of metabolic syndrome are insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. It is difficult to estimate its prevalence because several definitions of metabolic syndrome are in use. Although the exact cause-effect relation between metabolic syndrome and dementia is still controversial, the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer disease is relatively higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome than in those without it, regardless of mechanism. The pathophysiology of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance is responsible for causing cognitive decline or dementia in the elderly people, and It seems to be attributable to cerebral hypoperfusion and excessive Abeta deposition in the brain by insulin. Therefore, therapeutic intervention by modulating Abeta deposition and cerebral perfusion might be helpful to prevent patients with metabolic syndrome from getting cognitive dysfunction or dementia.

Keyword

Metabolic syndrome; Dementia; Hyperinsulinemia; Insulin resistance

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease
Brain
Dementia
Dyslipidemias
Humans
Hyperinsulinism
Hypertension
Incidence
Insulin
Insulin Resistance
Obesity
Perfusion
Prevalence
Insulin