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

M. Schuur (1, 2) , P. Henneman (1, 3) , J. C. Swieten (2) , M. C. Zillikens (4) , I. Koning (2) , A. C. J. W. Janssens (5) , J. C. M. Witteman (5) , Y. S. Aulchenko (1) , R. R. Frants (3) , B. A. Oostra (1) , K. Willems Dijk (3, 6) , C. M. Duijn (1)

1 Genetic Epidemiology Unit Ee2173, Unit of the Departments of Epidemiology and Clinical Genetics
2 Department of Neurology
3 Department of Human Genetics
4 Department of Internal Medicine
5 Department of Epidemiology
6 Department of Internal Medicine

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 ( = 0.03 and  = 0.009). MetS and HOMA-IR are associated with poorer executive function in women.

Mots clés: Cognition; Executive function; Metabolic syndrome; Insulin-resistance; Adiponectin

M. Schuur, P. Henneman, J. C. Swieten, M. C. Zillikens, I. Koning, et al.. Insulin-resistance and metabolic syndrome are related to executive function in women in a large family-based study. European Journal of Epidemiology, 2010, 25 (8), pp.561-568. ⟨10.1007/s10654-010-9476-y⟩. ⟨hal-00604412⟩