About Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that put a person at risk for heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
Fact: Approximately ¼ of Canadians have Metabolic Syndrome and the condition is particularly prevalent among people of south Asian and Aboriginal origin.
About Metabolic Syndrome & Dementia
The combination of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood sugar is very hard on the human brain. This combination can produce the metabolic syndrome.
The metabolic syndrome is a clinical condition that includes three or more of the following:
- hypertension
- insulin resistance
- belt line obesity
- high triglyceride levels
- low levels of good cholesterol, and
- inflammation in the body
The metabolic syndrome increases the chances of stroke, heart attack and Type 2 diabetes—all considered risk factors for dementia. In addition, studies suggest that the metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cognitive impairment.