The Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, and Risk of Cognitive Decline

ContextSeveral studies have reported an association between the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Despite an increasing awareness that cardiovascular risk factors increase risk of cognitive decline and dementia, there are few data on the metabolic syndrome and cognition.ObjectiveTo determine if the metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cognitive decline and if this association is modified by inflammation.Design and SettingA 5-year prospective observational study conducted from 1997 to 2002 at community clinics at 2 sites.ParticipantsA total of 2632 black and white elders (mean age, 74 years).Main Outcome MeasuresAssociation of the metabolic syndrome (measured using National Cholesterol Education…