Insulin-resistance and metabolic syndrome are related to executive function in women in a large family-based study

M. Schuur, P. Henneman, J. C. Van Swieten, M. C. Zillikens, I. De Koning, A. C.J.W. Janssens, J. C.M. Witteman, Y. S. Aulchenko, R. R. Frants, B. A. Oostra, K. Willems Van Dijk, C. M. Van Duijn

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Abstract

While type 2 diabetes is well-known to be associated with poorer cognitive performance, few studies have reported on the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and contributing factors, such as insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR), low adiponectin-, and high C-reactive protein (CRP)- levels. We studied whether these factors are related to cognitive function and which of the MetS components are independently associated. The study was embedded in an ongoing family-based cohort study in a Dutch population. All participants underwent physical examinations, biomedical measurements, and neuropsychological testing. Linear regression models were used to determine the association between MetS, HOMA-IR, adiponectin levels, CRP, and cognitive test scores. Cross-sectional analyses were performed in 1,898 subjects (mean age 48 years, 43% men). People with MetS had significantly higher HOMA-IR scores, lower adiponectin levels, and higher CRP levels. MetS and high HOMA-IR were associated with poorer executive function in women (P = 0.03 and P = 0.009). MetS and HOMA-IR are associated with poorer executive function in women.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)561-568
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology
Volume25
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010

Keywords

  • Adiponectin
  • Cognition
  • Executive function
  • Insulin-resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome

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