The association of metabolic syndrome with executive dysfunction independent of subclinical ischemic brain lesions in Japanese adults.

Background/aims: The aim of this study is to examine whether metabolic syndrome is directly associated with cognitive impairment independent of subclinical ischemic brain lesions.

Methods: We examined 1,543 neurologically normal subjects (44-86 years of age). Metabolic syndrome, brain MRI, and cognitive functions including general cognition and executive function were assessed.

Results: After adjusting for silent brain lesions and demographic risk factors, metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor for impairment of executive function (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.17-1.25 for Kohs' Test; OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.64-3.07 for Frontal Assessment Battery). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, elevated fasting glucose was the only independent risk factor for impairment of executive function.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is associated with impairment of executive function independent of silent brain lesions in the Japanese population.