Physical activity is associated with better global cognition and frontal function in overweight/obese older adults with metabolic syndrome

Background: There is epidemiological evidence of an association between the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors related to central adiposity and insulin resistance, and cognitive impairment and dementia. On the other hand, there is evidence for a beneficial effect of physical activity on cognitive outcomes in older adult populations. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the relationship between aerobic physical activity and cognition in a cohort of overweight/obese older adults with MetS at risk for dementia. Cognitive function was assessed in a subsample of 82 subjects (men 55-75 y; women 60-75 y), with MetS and a BMI ≥27 to < 40 kg/m² enrolled in the PREDIMED-PLUS study, a trial of diet and exercise in individuals with MetS with outcomes of cardiovascular prevention. Domain Z scores were calculated for the different cognitive domains. Aerobic physical activity was determined with the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire.

Results: Adjusted covariance analyses revealed that, compared to sedentary participants, those physically active obtained higher scores in mean global cognitive scores, with mean adjusted difference 0.254 (95% CI 0.032 to 0.477, p = 0.026) and frontal composites, with mean adjusted difference 0.375 (95% CI 0.110 to 0.639, p = 0.006).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that aerobic physical activity is associated with better global cognition and frontal function in overweight/obese older individuals with MetS, suggesting that physical activity could be a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in this population.