Cognitive dysfunction associated with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome which includes visceral obesity, elevated triglycerides, elevated fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels comprises the most common chronic physical illnesses in modern society. Components of the metabolic syndrome play a role in the pathogenesis of a plethora of medical illnesses. Evidence has emerged highlighting the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome and its constituent features on the cognitive aspects of neurological function. The precise mechanisms underlying this association are not known but a combination of neuroanatomical changes and neuroendocrine consequences of somatic dysregulation may be relevant. As the population ages and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases, it is important that this clinically relevant association be recognized.