5 Nov 2025 • Metabolic syndrome (MetS) markedly increased the risk of vascular dementia, a UK Biobank study of 313,179 adults revealed.

Those with MetS had a 36% higher risk of VaD (HR 1.36), with inflammation—measured via the INFLA-index—accounting for about 13% of this effect.

Among individual MetS components, hyperglycemia conferred the strongest risk (HR 2.37), followed by central obesity (HR 1.26) and low HDL (HR 1.19). The risk was greatest in individuals diagnosed with MetS before age 60.

These findings highlight the critical importance of early identification and aggressive management of metabolic and inflammatory pathways to prevent vascular cognitive decline.

Source: Atherosclerosis | Read Full Story