A recent study showed that metabolic syndrome is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia in people with PD. What is metabolic syndrome and how can you reduce your risk of developing it? Let's find out.
According to the Mayo Clinic, metabolic syndrome is a "cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels."
Both PD and metabolic syndrome are thought to both cause inflammation and oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage), which is thought to have a huge contribution to cognitive decline. Diabetes alone has been associated with worsening of cognitive function in those with PD. Diabetes is also associated with orthopedic conditions like arthritis.
This new study looked at the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia in 134 patients with PD. Metabolic syndrome was present in more than a third of participants and almost half were classified as having dementia. The study showed that people with metabolic syndrome were found to have a significantly higher burden of nonmotor symptoms and lower cognitive scores. When blood sugar levels were higher, cognitive scores were lower. Specifically with visual/spatial orientation, executive function, naming, and language. This study ultimately showed that people with metabolic syndrome can be at up to an 11 times increased risk of dementia. However, they also showed that being older had a similar risk.
According to John Hopkins, the following can help lower your risk of developing metabolic syndrome:
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Choose meals high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, low in saturated fat and low-glycemic foods.
Stick to an exercise plan. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day, most days of the week.
Keep a healthy weight
Continue to adhere to medical advice for overall health. Get key markers (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar) checked as recommended by your doctor. If you’ve been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or insulin resistance, be sure to take it as directed.
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