THE LINK BETWEEN METABOLIC RISK FACTORS AND COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that collectively affects cardiovascular functioning. Some research studies have shown a negative association between metabolic risk factors and cognitive and affective functioning. Currently, there is a limited amount of literature examining the implication of MetS on affective and cognitive functioning. The current study sought to address this gap in the literature and specifically explore the relationship between MetS and affective status as well as the MetS –cognition link. Purpose (a): Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that collectively affects cardiovascular functioning. Some research studies have shown a negative association between metabolic risk factors and cognitive and affective functioning. There is a limited amount of literature examining the implication of MetS on affective and cognitive functioning. The current study sought to address this gap in the literature and specifically explore the relationship between MetS and affective status as well as the MetS –cognition link. Methods (b): Data were analyzed on 431 participants (With MetS n=366; without MetS n=165) from Project FRONTIER (Facing Rural Obstacles Now to health Through Intervention, Education, and Research). Metabolic syndrome was determined based on if participants met three of the five risk factors (yes/no). Risk factors for MetS include abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia (elevated serum triglycerides, low HDL), elevated fasting glucose, and elevated blood pressure. Cognitive functioning was measured utilizing the RBANS (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status), MMSE (Mini Mental Status Exam), Executive Interview 25-iteMetS (EXIT25) and affective status using the GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) and BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Independent sample T-tests were utilized to explore the relationship between MetS and affective functioning as well as examine the MetS-cognition link. Results (c): The analyses revealed significant mean group differences between those who meet criteria for MetS compared to those who do not. Conclusions (d): The result of this study suggests that the metabolic risk factors are related to cognitive and affective symptoms. It is important to investigate the relationship between factors related to cardiovascular disease and cognition as well as affective functioning in an effort to enhance a physician’s clinical diagnosis and enable better treatment of patients with chronic diseases.