Metabolic Syndrome X and Cognition

The metabolic syndrome X leads to a whole array of dangerous physical problems, including cardiovascular illness, diabetes and heart disease. And apparently, it's related to mental decline, as well.

I'm Dr. Caroline Cederquist, giving you The Skinny on Your Health.

People don't often associate their weight with mental ability one way or the other. It's understood as an emotional stressor, but as far as brain function, we don't usually regard weight as a factor.

There's new evidence that says we should. The metabolic syndrome x develops as a person becomes more and more overweight. It actually changes the way the body functions so that it's easier to gain weight, and harder to lose it. But it's also associated with higher levels of blood inflammation.

And inflammation of the vessels in the brain restricts blood flow. This could result in a large stroke, but it also can exert its effects over time, causing a decline in thinking ability.

Even if elderly people have given up on ever getting their body well again, they may be willing to take another stab at getting healthy, just to preserve their mind.