The cognitive function of Japanese adults over 60 years old and its association with metabolic syndrome and locomotive syndrome

The purpose of this study was to examine how cognitive function is related to metabolic syndrome and locomotive syndrome in a Japanese general population over the age of 60. The subjects were 101 males and 167 females living in the Iwaki area, Hirosaki city in Aomori Prefecture. The survey parameters were as follows: cognitive function test (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), metabolic syndrome index (abdominal girth, blood pressure, serum lipid and serum glucose level) and the locomotive syndrome index (the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale, two-step test and stand-up test). As a result, males with locomotive syndrome had significantly lower cognitive function, and the tendency was remarkable as the number of relevant items increased. On the other hand, in the metabolic syndrome index, associations with neither gender nor cognitive function were observed. From the above, it was found that the locomotive syndrome evaluation index was considered useful as a tool for screening cognitive decline in males.