Metabolic syndrome and dementia: Independent risk factors or a unified pathway?

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for dementia, yet its precise role remains unclear. While individual MetS components—such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes—are known contributors to cognitive decline, their combined effect is not well defined. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Qiu et al. highlighted a significant association between MetS and vascular dementia but not Alzheimer's disease. However, substantial heterogeneity among studies persists. Future research should adopt biomarker-based definitions and longer follow-up periods to clarify whether MetS as a whole or its individual components drive dementia risk, guiding more effective prevention strategies.