A study on cognitive decline with respect to metabolic syndrome and inflammation in elderly Indians.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to find out if metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the elderly was associated with cognitive decline and also if this association was modified by the presence of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients more than 60 years of age were divided into 2 groups of 50 each and were age and sex matched. Group 1 and 2 had patients with and without MetS, respectively. The individual components of MetS were measured in each patient. Cognitive decline was measured by Modified Mini-Mental Score (3MS) of Teng. Inflammation was measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: Fasting hyperglycemia was the most common component of MetS (60% of group 1). The mean serum hs-CRP in patients of group 1 was 6.56 ± 9.72 while that in the patients of group 2 was 1.95 ± 1.93. In the group-1, 36% (n = 18) patients were having a decreased 3MS, whereas in group-2, 22% (n = 11) were having a decreased 3MS. MetS was associated with an odd's ratio of 1.99 for developing cognitive decline. 3MS had a negative correlation with hs-CRP values. Regression analysis showed a significant association of hs-CRP and MetS with cognitive decline in the elderly population. CONCLUSION: Cognitive decline in the elderly is associated with the presence of inflammation and MetS. Hence, early identification of the high-risk groups may offer benefit by disease course modification and better caregiving.