Relationships of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiorespiratory Fitness with Cognitive Impairment in older adults

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the independent and combined association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels with cognitive decline risk in older Korean adults.METHODS: This study included 509 community-dwelling older adults aged 60–89 years (81.7% women). CRF was assessed using the safe and easily administered submaximal exercise 6-min walking test (6MWT) on an outdoor track. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Korean version of the MMSE for Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cognitive impairment according to MetS- and CRF-based subgroups.RESULTS: Compared to subjects with no MetS/normal CRF (OR, 1), the risk of cognitive impairment was significantly higher among subjects with MetS/normal CRF (OR, 1.747; 95% CI, 1.044-2.923; p=.043) or no MetS/low CRF (OR, 2.246; 95% CI, 1.146–4.402; p=.018). The OR increased to 3.066 (95% CI, 1.711–5.492; p<.001) for those with both MetS and low CRF.CONCLUSIONS: The early identification and treatment of individuals with MetS or low CRF may significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Furthermore, promoting physical activity may play an important role in preventing MetS and improving CRF among older adults.